Which screening tests are used for secondary hemostasis?

Secondary hemostasis refers to the processes that stabilize a blood clot formed during primary hemostasis, primarily involving the coagulation cascade and the formation of fibrin. The screening tests used to assess secondary hemostasis focus on the coagulation factors involved in this process.

The prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests are the primary screening tools for evaluating the functionality of the coagulation pathways. PT assesses the extrinsic and common pathways of coagulation, while aPTT evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways. Together, these tests provide valuable information on the integrity of the coagulation system, particularly in conditions where bleeding or coagulation disorders are suspected.

Other options focus on different aspects of hematology or hemostasis. For example, platelet count and bleeding time tests are primarily related to primary hemostasis. The FDP and D-dimer tests are related to fibrinolysis rather than coagulation factor dysfunction. Factor assays and platelet aggregation tests measure specific coagulation factors and platelet function, respectively, but they are not initial screening tests for secondary hemostasis.

Thus, the PT and aPTT tests are considered the standard screening tests for secondary hemostasis, making this answer the most