Effects of Fish Oil on Platelet Function and Coagulation

Many patients undergoing surgery use naturopathic drugs, including fish oil. Fish oil has been reported to increase bleeding in patients through inhibiting platelet aggregation and prolonging of clot formation time. The Swedish Medical Products Agency recommends that patients stop taking the naturopathic medicines including fish oil two weeks prior planed surgery. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of fish oil given to healthy volunteers using point of care coagulation assessment and flow dependent Cellix instrument before and after intake of fish oil.