[Point-of-care-monitoring of coagulation]

In recent years, point-of-care coagulation monitoring systems have gained widespread use during surgical procedures. By providing quick and goal directed diagnostic information, they enable the attending physician to deliver a quick and goal directed therapy, thereby saving blood products and reduce resource utilisation. In order to maintain a high quality level, the physician in charge needs to have a sound knowledge of both the available methods including their indications and limitations and possible sources of error. This article summarizes the popular POC coagulation systems in Germany. Indications and limitations are described with special emphasis on the legal prerequisites that have been changed according to the new guidelines for laboratory investigations launched by the German college of physicians in 2008. Even though several issues regarding the necessary quality controls are still under debate especially with the more complex methods, it is of paramount importance that a comprehensive quality management is established for these POC methods.