Laboratory monitoring of anticoagulant therapy

Abstract

This article reviews three categories of anticoagulant therapy used in the prophylaxis and management of thromboembolic disease; treatment with: heparin and vitamin K antagonists, antiplatelet agents, and fibrinolytic agents. Particular emphasis is placed on the involvement of the clinical laboratory in monitoring the effectiveness of these methods of treatment. The effect of heparin on several coagulation procedures is demonstrated.