[Introduction into "Point-of-Care" testing: indications and limitations]

The advancement of well known techniques in Point-of-Care coagulation diagnostics (e.g. thromboelastography/-metry) has lead to further distribution in perioperative coagulation management. By increasing user friendliness these devices have helped to expand the spectrum of coagulation diagnostics in daily clinical routine. But can they really be considered as the ne plus ultra in diagnosis of coagulopathy? In this article the authors would like to mark up indications as wells as limitations in Point-of-Care coagulation diagnostics.