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The contact system is a volatile and versatile enzyme system in blood plasma that responds to the presence of nonphysiological surface materials by spontaneous generation of enzymatic activity. In subsequent steps, it can trigger blood coagulation and is responsible for the generation of the proinflammatory peptide bradykinin. The physiological role of the contact system is presently unknown, but it is commonly used to trigger coagulation in a diagnostic setting. In this three-part review, we will first describe the molecular mechanisms that drive contact activation on nonphysiological materials. Next, we will summarize and compare a number of bioassays, which are commonly used to investigate the contact system in health and disease. Finally, we will discuss recent findings from both fundamental and clinical studies on the contributions of contact system to cardiovascular, infectious, and inflammatory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]