In addition to routine labs, which tests are recommended to be drawn?

The recommendation to draw prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) along with serial coagulopathy tests is crucial in critical care settings. These tests assess the coagulation status of a patient and are particularly important for identifying potential bleeding disorders or monitoring patients who may be receiving anticoagulant therapy.

In emergency or critical care environments, timely information about a patient's coagulation status can guide interventions, such as the need for transfusions or the administration of clotting factors. Serial coagulopathy tests allow healthcare providers to monitor changes over time, which is essential in managing patients with significant coagulopathies or those who are at risk of bleeding complications.

While routine labs such as a complete blood count (CBC) and metabolic panel, liver function tests, and other tests might provide useful information about a patient’s overall health and organ function, they do not specifically address the critical aspect of coagulation, which can be life-threatening if not managed appropriately in acutely ill patients.