* Heparin Assay

Mnemonic

HEPARIN

Synonym

Anti Xa - Anti Ten A - Anti-Heparin XA

Guidelines

The type of heparin the patient is receiving must be noted. The specific type must be provided in order to perform the testing. The heparin types include unfractionated or specified brand of low molecular weight heparin (i.e., Dalteparin, Fragmin, Enoxaparin, Lovenox). If low molecular weight heparin is being used, then the brand name, last dose and mode of infusion must be on all orders.

Anticoagulants not listed above cannot be measured with this assay.

Testing for Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran, Fondaparinux will be sent to a Referral lab.

There is no testing available for other formularies.

Specimen Collection Requirements

Collect

Whole Blood or Plasma, one light blue (3.2% buffered sodium citrate) top tube

Handling

The specimen must be transported to the processing laboratory within 60 minutes of venipuncture. If the specimen cannot be processed within 1 hour of collection, the patient should be sent to a specimen collection site, capable of processing the sample as outlined in Coagulation Specimen Collection Guidelines. The specimen must be transported and labeled STAT regardless of test priority to ensure timeliness of reporting. Please ensure that the sample bag, requisition and/or transfer list has a STAT sticker.

Preferred Volume

One 2.7 mL whole blood or two 1.0 mL frozen plasma aliquots

Minimum Volume

One 1.8 mL whole blood or one 1.0 mL frozen plasma aliquot

Transport

Plasma: Frozen, aliquot must remain frozen during storage and shipment

Rejection Criteria

Whole Blood Refrigerated (2-8°C), samples not processed and/or transported as required, clotted samples, samples collected in containers other than 3.2% buffered sodium citrate, tubes filled less than 90%, samples from patients with a Hematocrit greater than 55%, hemolyzed samples due to ex-vivo causes (i.e., difficult draw, poor sample draw), whole blood samples that were frozen before processing

Stability

WHOLE BLOOD: Ambient: 1 hour

PLASMA: Ambient: 2 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks, Frozen (-70°C): 6 months

Testing Information

Performed

Legacy Emanuel Lab 24/7

Reported

24 hours (Routine)
1-2 hours (STAT-from time of receipt in lab)

Method

Chromogenic

Reference Values

Therapeutic Range

Refer to Anticoagulant Therapy Monitoring

CPT Codes

85520

Last Updated: Wednesday, December 30, 2020 02:07:28 AM

Client Services: 503-413-1234