Blood film showing red blood cell fragments (schistocytes) The diagnosis of<unk>  is not made on a single laboratory value, but rather the constellation of laboratory markers and a consistent history of an illness known to cause<unk> . Laboratory markers consistent with<unk>  include: * Characteristic history (this is important because severe liver disease can essentially have the same laboratory findings as<unk>  * Prolongation of the prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reflect the underlying consumption and impaired synthesis of the<unk>  cascade. * Fibrinogen level was initially thought to be useful in the diagnosis of<unk>  but because it is an acute phase reactant, it will be elevated due to the underlying inflammatory condition. Therefore, a normal (or even elevated) level can occur in over 57% of cases. A low level, however, is more consistent with the consumptive process of<unk> . * A rapidly declining platelet count * High levels of fibrin degradation products, including D-dimer, are found owing to the intense fibrinolytic activity stimulated by the presence of fibrin in the circulation. * The peripheral blood smear may show fragmented red blood cells (known as schistocytes) due to shear stress from thrombi. However, this finding is neither sensitive nor specific for<unk>  A diagnostic algorithm has been proposed by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. This algorithm appears to be 91% sensitive and 97% specific for the diagnosis of overt<unk> . A score of 5 or higher is compatible with<unk>  and it is recommended that the score is repeated daily, while a score below 5 is suggestive but not affirmative for<unk>  and it is recommended that it is repeated only occasionally: It has been recommended that a scoring system be used in the diagnosis and management of<unk>  in terms of improving outcome. * Presence of an underlying disorder known to be associated with<unk>  (no=0, yes=2) * Global<unk>  results * Platelet count (> 100k = 0, 3 sec = 1, > 6 sec = 2) * Fibrinogen level (> 1.0g/L = 0; < 1.0g/L = 1)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Hemolytic–uremic syndrome
Venom-induced consumption coagulopathy
Sticky platelet syndrome
Gray platelet syndrome
Pseudo gray platelet syndrome