Sources of errors in coagulation testing

Abstract In this chapter, errors in coagulation testing that are known to significantly affect test results have been addressed. The sources of these errors can be found in both pre-analytical and analytical phases of testing. Knowing the sources of errors is essential for trouble-shooting unexpected laboratory results that are not correlated with clinical information. There are also pre-analytical artifacts present in patient samples that cause rejection of samples by the laboratory. Similarly, interferences in analytical testing may produce unexpected results in coagulation testing. Knowing these artifacts and interferences should help clinicians to work with laboratory personnel to prevent future incidences or to pursue alternative methods of testing.