LABORATORY MONITORING OF HEPARIN - EFFECT OF REAGENTS AND INSTRUMENTS ON THE ACTIVATED PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 76  (4) , 530-537
Abstract
The CAP Hematology Survey of 1979-1980 included specimens [lyophilized human plasma] with heparin levels between 0.0-0.8 U/ml. The results obtained with different reagent-instrument systems in common usage were analyzed. Heparin sensitivity was dependent upon choice of reagent and did not appear to be influenced by choice of instrument. All systems displayed a loss of precision with increasing APTT [activated partial thromboplastin time] which was independent of the choice of reagent. Compared to the photo-optical instruments, the BBL Fibrometer showed a greater loss of precision with longer APTT. The results are discussed in terms of their effect on the laboratory''s ability to adequately monitor heparin therapy.