Comparative Coagulation -- NYS Animal Health Diagnostic Center



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Comparative Coagulation

Testing Services - Heparin Monitoring for Dogs and Cats

We now offer assays for measuring unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMW) levels in dogs and cats. Heparin monitoring allows optimization of anticoagulant therapy for each patient. Values above the therapeutic heparin range indicate risk of bleeding, values below may not provide desired anticoagulant effect. Please feel free to call the Coagulation Section Laboratory (607-275-0622) for more details on monitoring heparin therapy.

Sample Requirements

Submit 0.5 to 1.0 ml of citrate plasma

Specify UFH or LMWH on submission form

Peak heparin determination: collect sample 2 to 3 hours (cats) or 3 to 4 hours (dogs) after heparin dose

Trough heparin determination: collect sample just before administration of next dose

Test Turnaround and Costs

Same-day reporting: test is run daily (M-F), with results faxed out as soon as assay complete

Heparin test fee

Test Principle and Therapeutic Ranges

The chromogenic assay measures heparin activity based on its inhibition of Factor X, referred to as an anti-Xa activity assay

Clinical studies in human medicine have related the peak anti-Xa activity of heparin to its safety and efficacy as follows:

Therapeutic target range of high dose UFH anti-Xa activity is 0.35 to 0.7 U/ml

Therapeutic target range of high dose LMW anti-Xa activity is 0.5 to 1.0 U/ml

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Last Update January 8, 2008