Evaluation of automatic and semiautomatic coagulation assay instruments

Untreated prostatic carcinoma is not associated with frequent thrombohemorrhagic disorders

We conducted an evaluation of the hemostatic integrity of patients with untreated cancer of the prostate. Of 60 patients analyzed retrospectively, only 1 had a mild case of disseminated intravascular coagulation, possibly associated with concomitant estrogen therapy, and in 1 patient mild deep vein thrombosis developed preoperatively, also possibly associated with multiple medications for concurrent disorders. Of 16 other patients prospectively evaluated on admission, only 1 had frankly abnormal levels of fibrinopeptide A unaccompanied by other coagulation abnormalities. Occasional individuals had minimal, negligible deviations of partial thromboplastin times, thrombin time, or antithrombin III values. In none of these patients did hemostatic complications develop during their hospital stay. These results demonstrate that although an occasional coagulation abnormality may occur in patients with cancer of the prostate (albeit with a lower incidence than in other neoplasms), this malignancy does not require increased precautions with respect to those given to the patient population at large.

Value and application of automation in laboratory diagnosis of haemostatic disorders

There is a bewildering variety of instrumentation available for automation of coagulation procedures. The advantages and draw-backs of the most widely-used types are discussed to help the prospective purchaser to decide the most suitable instrument for his needs. Operator satisfaction is of considerable importance. Anticoagulated plasmas give shorter clotting times on many instruments as compared with the manual method which may necessitate an extrapolation curve or change of therapeutic range. An instrument, carefully selected, can increase the throughput of samples and improve the overall accuracy and precision of results.