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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin
Elaine Gray1, Barbara Mulloy, Trevor W Barrowcliffe
1National Institute for Biological Standards & Control (NIBSC), Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QG, UK. egray@nibsc.ac.uk
Abstract:
Heparin is one of the oldest biological medicines, and has an established place in the prevention and treatment of venous thrombosis. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) have been developed by several manufacturers and have advantages in terms of pharmacokinetics and convenience of administration. They have been shown to be at least as effective and safe as unfractionated heparin and have replaced the latter in many indications. In this article the chemistry, mechanisms of action, measurement of anticoagulant activities, and clinical status of heparin and LMWH are reviewed.
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