Psychologic impact of thrombophilia screening in asymptomatic relatives of carriers of prothrombotic mutations

Multilaboratory Testing in Thrombophilia through the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Scheme (Blood Coagulation) Quality Assurance Program

“…Other authors have also recommended measurement of homocysteine and factor VIII:C levels. 4 Investigations for familial thrombophilia of index patients and asymptomatic relatives can have important psychological consequences and lifestyle implications, 5 and it is therefore of particular importance that laboratories carrying out such investigations are able to make an accurate diagnosis. Participation in an external quality assessment program, as part of a package of total quality assurance, should enable a laboratory to ensure both the accuracy and precision of their thrombophilia screen, and can identify laboratory-specific and methodological variables.…”