Reflections on the next generation of hemostasis instrumentation. A glimpse into the future?

Abstract

Hemostasis testing is conventionally referred to as performance of in vitro diagnostic tests for screening, diagnosis and therapeutic management of patients with either bleeding or thrombotic disorders. The ongoing revolution of diagnostic testing, squeezed between reduced funding and increasing volumes, carries notable implications in the way laboratory resources are organized and coagulation tests delivered. It is therefore predictable that the newer generation of hemostasis analyzers may be designed to face these emerging needs whilst maintaining a high degree in the quality of testing. In this opinion paper, we aim to discuss some concepts of redesigning coagulation analyzers in consideration of the most important aspects of the preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical phases in hemostasis testing.