This book offers a description of current and recently developed laboratory assays in the field of haemostasis and thrombosis. It is the result of a unique co-operation between experts from more than 60 institutes in 12 European countries, brought together by the ECAT (European Concerted Action on Thrombosis and Disabilities) under the auspices of the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels. This book is based on two previous editions, which were for internal use only. Each assay was assessed by an expert who functioned in the ECAT as representative of a reference laboratory. An assay committee coordinated the activities. Each chapter is written by the assay expert. Most of the chapters give detailed descriptions of the assay recommended for use in the ECAT and briefly mention alternatives. For this reason a list is included of firms that are commercializing kits and reagents. The editors believe that this manual will contribute to further harmonization of haemostasis assays and, ultimately, to their standardization.