What does a COAG panel measure?

A COAG panel, also known as a coagulation panel, is specifically designed to evaluate the blood's ability to form clots. This panel measures various components involved in the clotting process, including clotting factors such as prothrombin, fibrinogen, and others that play a critical role in hemostasis. Correctly interpreting the results from a COAG panel is essential for diagnosing clotting disorders, monitoring patients on anticoagulant therapy, and assessing bleeding risks before surgical procedures.

The other options provided do not pertain to clotting factors; they measure different aspects of blood composition. Red blood cell count reflects the number of red blood cells within a sample, while white blood cell count assesses the immune cell populations. Electrolyte levels indicate the balance of electrolytes in the bloodstream, which are crucial for many bodily functions but unrelated to coagulation.