Laboratory monitoring of heparin: Challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Heparin, an anticoagulant used for the treatment and prophylaxis of thrombosis, is most commonly monitored using the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Despite its widespread use, the APTT has limitations which stem from the coagulation factors it measures and the technical variability of the assay. Newer tests, such as the anti-factor Xa activity assay, provide an opportunity to improve laboratory monitoring of heparin and, most importantly, patient safety.