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.