Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
[Heparin-induced thrombopenia]
E de Maistre1, D Wahl, M E Briquel
1Laboratoire d'Hématologie-Hémostase, Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire, 54000 Nancy.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia remains a topical subject for at least two reasons. The first reason is the increasing prescription of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) rather than unfractionated heparins, with limited laboratory surveillance, raising the question concerning the need for twice-weekly platelet counts, according to the recommendations of the Vidal drug directory. The second reason is the recent release onto the market of two products, danaparoid (Orgaran) and lepirudin (Refludin) for this precise indication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. These products greatly facilitate the management of this complication. Many basic research teams are trying to optimize the detection of heparin-dependent antibodies and to more clearly elucidate the mechanism of this particular thrombocytopenia, which carries a risk of very severe thrombotic complications when the diagnosis is delayed.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia remains a topical subject for at least two reasons. The first reason is the increasing prescription of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) rather than unfractionated heparins, with limited laboratory surveillance, raising the question concerning the need for twice-weekly platelet counts, according to the recommendations of the Vidal drug directory. The second reason is the recent release onto the market of two products, danaparoid (Orgaran) and lepirudin (Refludin) for this precise indication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. These products greatly facilitate the management of this complication. Many basic research teams are trying to optimize the detection of heparin-dependent antibodies and to more clearly elucidate the mechanism of this particular thrombocytopenia, which carries a risk of very severe thrombotic complications when the diagnosis is delayed.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
Introduction to Hemostasis
The three phases of hemostasis involve many clotting factors present in plasma and several substances released by platelets and injured tissue cells. It is a fast, localized, and...
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

