Discard tubes have traditionally been obtained when drawing samples for coagulation testing to avoid potential tissue factor activation of coagulation in the first tube that may lead to inaccurate results. Although discard tubes are no longer required for prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, the practice is still recommended for other coagulation studies due to lack of sufficient evidence that discard tubes are not needed. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the first citrate tube drawn can be used for special coagulation testing. We performed testing for fibrinogen, D-dimer, factors VIII, IX, XI, proteins C and S, and antithrombin on 30 healthy individuals and factors II, VII, IX, X, and proteins C and S on a second group of 30 healthy individuals and 30 individuals receiving warfarin. Testing was performed on two consecutive samples to evaluate the level of agreement between the two tubes. Paired t-testing showed no statistically significant differences between tube 1 and tube 2 for any of the tests performed. Most data pairs (tube 1, tube 2) agreed within 10% difference or less, and no positive or negative biases were observed. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the need for discard tubes in a variety of coagulation tests using both normal and abnormal samples. Our data suggest that discard tubes are not necessary when drawing samples for specialized coagulation testing.

In accordance with the current literature our data show that bleeding after adenoidectomy is a rare complication. In contrast to many other studies, we also report weak bleedings from the epipharynx. Blood tests were routinely performed prior to every operation with little benefit. Only 4 patients were definitely not scheduled for surgery as a consequence of the preoperative blood test. Patients with bleeding complications were not suspicious regarding laboratory workup. We therefore conclude that blood tests prior to adenoidectomy have no relevance for the course of the operation and postoperative bleeding event. Blood tests should only be performed on patients with an unusual bleeding history, family bleeding history or indications for anemia. The documentation of a standardized bleeding history prior to surgery is strongly recommended.

immune function, which lead to increased disability, morbidity, and mortality. [2][3][4] Specifically, patients with RA have been shown to be at a higher risk for comorbidities such as musculoskeletal system diseases, diseases of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by an inflammatory polyarthritis that preferentially affects the small joints. 1 RA is a "multicausal" disease that most likely results from an amalgamation of genetic predisposition and various environmental and lifestyle factors. Patients with this disease often experience complications, such as cardiovascular disease, systemic inflammation, and impaired

The preoperative blood tests have no influence on the management of an elective ear operation. A thorough medical patient's and family history should be taken and may be added by a calculated analysis of special blood tests.