Abstract
Considering the hemostatic system to be one of the most important physiological systems for maintaining health and well-being, the editor and contributors to this new book have provided excellent instructions on how to measure its multiple functions. The experts in the field who contribute to the methods and protocols describe the major components of the hemostatic system as well as the general principles of hemostatic testing and assessing it. Their description is written in Methods in Molecular Biology series format and includes introductions, necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding pitfalls.
The book is well done, broad-based, and far-reaching. Nonetheless, some additions would make it more useful for clinical considerations. Fingertip acquisition of blood for prothrombin time testing is well described but its processing is not. Specifically, home monitoring of such samples by portable, battery-operated instruments deserve thorough explanation but is completely neglected. Home testing units become medically necessary for persons who require chronic oral anticoagulation with warfarin for a mechanical heart valve, ventricular assist device, chronic atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous embolism and thrombosis of deep vessels of lower extremity, or hypercoagulable states.
A more nearly comprehensive index would make this book more valuable as a reference source.
Authoritative and easily accessible Haemostasis: Methods and Protocols provides a worthy guide for scientists of all disciplines.