Do "screening" coagulation tests predict bleeding in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy with biopsy?

OBJECTIVE

To determine if preprocedure coagulation testing predicts bleeding in patients undergoing flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) with biopsy.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Southeastern, urban Veteran Affairs Medical Center.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-four patient charts representing 305 FOB with biopsy were reviewed for clinical predictors of bleeding, prebronchoscopy laboratory abnormalities, and incidence of bleeding complications. Thirty-five patients bled, and 3 had abnormal results of coagulation studies. Normal results of coagulation studies and no clinical risk factors were noted in 68 percent of patients who bled.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing flexible FOB with biopsy do not benefit from preprocedure coagulation testing.