[Biological supervision of heparin therapy]

Laboratory surveillance of heparin therapy includes a simplied investigation of haemostasis before the treatment (Quick's time, the cephalin-kaolin time, fibrinogen, platelet count) and requires exact adherence to the timetable of injections and taking of samples. According to the degree of hypocoagulability desired, there is a choice between the three tests most often used (Howell's test, heparinaemia, cephalin-kaolin time). For the control of a high degree of hypocoagulability the Howell's time is the best guide. On the other hand, for the surveillance of moderate hypocoagulability (preventive treatment) it is preferable to combine two of these three tests.