Heparin Anti-Xa, Unfractionated
Also known as: HA UN
Use
This test is used to monitor the treatment efficacy of unfractionated heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots in veins, arteries, or the lungs. Monitoring unfractionated heparin levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels are achieved without causing excessive bleeding. The anti-Xa assay measures the activity level of heparin in the blood by quantifying the inhibition of Factor Xa activity.
Special Instructions
This test is specifically designed for monitoring unfractionated heparin and cannot quantitate other anticoagulants such as direct oral anticoagulants or fondaparinux.
Limitations
The test is not suitable for measuring anticoagulants other than unfractionated heparin. It also cannot be used with serum, EDTA, oxalate, heparin, or plasma separator tubes, and requires specific handling conditions to prevent degradation of the sample before analysis.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Chromogenic Assay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3274-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Lt. blue (sodium citrate) tube
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge specimen within one hour of collection. Transport platelet-poor plasma.
Storage Instructions
Transport frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Serum, EDTA, oxalate, heparin, or plasma separator tubes. Hemolyzed or clotted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | 1 month |