BLOOD-COAGULATION

Improved understanding of the complex interrelated mechanisms that con stitute haemostasis have provided new diagnostic and therapeutic optio ns. Indeed, recent advances in DNA technology suggest that diagnosis a t the molecular genetic level could soon be part of a 'routine' invest igation of congenital haemostatic disorders. This update focuses on ar eas of recent development within haemostasis, the key role of the endo thelium and platelets, the molecular basis of inherited bleeding disor ders and the therapeutic use of genetically engineered proteins and as sessment of fibrinolysis. The use of standards and quality assessment in haemostasis is also reviewed.