| 1. In a patient with an underlying disorder that is associated with overt DIC, obtain results from the global coagulation tests (prothrombin time, platelet count, fibrinogen, and a fibrin-related marker). |
| 2. Score the test results: |
| • Platelet count (≥100: 0, <100: 1, <50: 2) |
| • Elevated levels of a fibrin-related marker, e.g., D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (no increase=0, moderate increase=2, strong increase=3) |
| • Prolonged prothrombin time (<3 seconds: 0, ≥3 but <6 seconds: 1, ≥6 seconds: 2) |
| • Fibrinogen level (≥1 g/L: 0, <1 g/L: 1) |
| 3. Calculate the score: |
| • ≥5 compatible with overt DIC: repeat scoring daily |
| • <5 suggestive of nonovert DIC: repeat XYZ daily |
