New oral anticoagulant therapy has become popular, primarily because of the lack of need for frequent laboratory testing compared to warfarin. However, laboratory coagulation testing is required in special circumstances.
If patient results are needed quickly, it may not be possible to use a special new oral anticoagulant assay. In these circumstances, laboratory professionals must know how to obtain and process specimens correctly. In addition, common coagulation assays may be used for a less-than-ideal assessment of a patient’s condition.
In the event of the need for a reversal of NOAC therapy, products are now available.
