The need for a handbook on the use of synthetic substrates for assay of proteases of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems became evident several years ago during the activities of the Subcommittee on Synthetic Substrates of the International Committee on Thrombosis and Haemo­ stasis (lCTH). Production of such a handbook, which was recommended during discussions of the ICTH at its meeting in London in 1979 was made possible by the generous efforts of Professor HC Hemker with the aid of several contributors with particular interests in the use of synthetic substrates in coagulation and fibrinolysis. As current Chairman and Secretary General of the ICTH we would like to express our sincere thanks to Professor Hemker for producing this handbook and look for­ ward to seeing the benefits of this tremendous effort reflected in the advancement of our understanding of thrombosis and hemostasis and the transfer of such knowledge into improved diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic and hemorrhagic disorders. Craig M Jackson Professor of Biological Chemistry Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO Chairman, ICTH Harold R Roberts Professor of Internal Medicine University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Secretary General, ICTH ix Foreword The advent of synthetic substrates for the study of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis was a significant step forward in the investigation of these systems. Both basic research and clinical laboratory investigations can profit from these advanced tools.