Coagulation is evaluated by conventional coagulation analyses, often supplemented by point-of-care tests. Recently, a number of point-of-care tests for evaluation of platelet function and the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy has been investigated. Thrombophilia contributes to the risk of thrombosis, and a battery of complex assays is required to identify all thrombophilias. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterized by microthrombosis and clinical bleeding. A scoring system for overt disseminated intravascular coagulation provides a five-step diagnostic algorithm. The cornerstone of the management of disseminated intravascular coagulation is treatment of the underlying triggering condition. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an adverse immunological effect of heparin therapy. Besides thrombocytopenia, the major clinical consequence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an increased risk of thrombosis. The diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and detection of platelet-activating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibodies. When heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is strongly suspected, it is recommended to stop heparin treatment, investigate for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia antibodies, and initiate non-heparin anticoagulant treatment.
