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Guidelines for the laboratory investigation of heritable disorders of platelet function
Paul Harrison1, Ian Mackie, Andrew Mumford
1Oxford Haemophilia & Thrombosis Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. paul.harrison@ndm.ox.ac.uk
Insights
This guideline offers UK healthcare professionals clear recommendations for platelet function testing in patients with suspected bleeding disorders. It emphasizes evidence-based practices for accurate diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Platelet function testing is crucial for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
- Existing guidelines require systematic review and consensus for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide UK healthcare professionals with clear guidance on platelet function testing.
- To establish evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE up to Summer 2010.
- Inclusion of relevant references from initial papers, guidelines, and reviews.
- Consensus-based development and review by UK haematology experts and committees.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive guideline on platelet function testing was developed.
- Evidence levels and grades of recommendation were established.
- The guideline focuses on patients with suspected bleeding disorders.
Conclusions:
- The guideline provides a framework for appropriate platelet function testing.
- It aims to improve diagnostic accuracy for bleeding disorders.
- Individual patient circumstances should guide clinical decisions, especially regarding antiplatelet therapy.
Abstract:
The guideline writing group was selected to be representative of UK-based medical experts. MEDLINE was systematically searched for publications in English up to the Summer of 2010 using key words platelet, platelet function testing and platelet aggregometry. Relevant references generated from initial papers and published guidelines/reviews were also examined. Meeting abstracts were not included. The writing group produced the draft guideline, which was subsequently revised and agreed by consensus. Further comment was made by members of the Haemostasis and Thrombosis Task Force of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology. The guideline was then reviewed by a sounding board of approximately 40 UK haematologists, the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) and the British Society for Haematology Committee and comments incorporated where appropriate. Criteria used to quote levels and grades of evidence are as outlined in appendix 7 of the Procedure for Guidelines Commissioned by the BCSH [http://www.bcshguidelines.com/BCSH_PROCESS/EVIDENCE_LEVELS_AND_GRADES_OF_RECOMMENDATION/43_GRADE.html]. The objective of this guideline is to provide healthcare professionals with clear guidance on platelet function testing in patients with suspected bleeding disorders. The guidance may not be appropriate to patients receiving antiplatelet therapy and in all cases individual patient circumstances may dictate an alternative approach.
