The Clotting times

After two years of producing The Clotting Times we at the ECAT have now chosen a brand new, fresh layout. In the content you can see that every rubric from now on has its own colour. In this way you can easy recognize a particular item in the pages which follow. Every issue will start with a “focus article” which in this issue gives you an update on pre-analytical issues in platelet function testing. This article seeks to heighten awareness that lack of attention to preanalytical conditions can significantly impact results from platelet function testing. The next section is “ECAT information”. Based on results from the ECAT surveys, the effect of Rivaroxaban on haemostasis assays is described in this issue. In the section entitled “Literature Review” we would like to present highlights from recent publications. The current issue gives a synopsis of the publication, Lupus anticoagulant testing: analyzing fresh samples after a single centrifugation and after a 6-8 hr delay (P. Froom and M. Barak. Clin Chem Lab Med 2012; 50: 367 – 370). The editorial board hopes that you will appreciate our new design and enjoy reading this and future issues.