[Perioperative coagulation monitoring - medical and economic aspects]

For preoperative haemostatic assessment a structured questionnaire for the bleeding history of the patient should be primarily used. Only in case of abnormalities an additional laboratory coagulation testing is recommended. Such a test set must include functional testing of platelets as defects of the primary haemostasis are frequent. In the event of acute acquired perioperative coagulopathy laboratory coagulation testing is a prerequisite for sophisticated and precise diagnosis and therapy. Points of care techniques like thrombelastography are capable to provide fast and extensive information.