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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Heparin Anticoagulant Therapy and Its Monitoring
Benjamin Reardon1,2, Leonardo Pasalic3,4,5, Giuseppe Lippi6
1Joint Medical Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2145, Australia.
Abstract:
Heparin remains a foundational parenteral anticoagulant across both acute and chronic care settings. This narrative review summarizes clinical indications and dosing of unfractionated (UFH) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). It also details laboratory monitoring using activated partial thromboplastin (APTT), anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa), activated clotting time (ACT) and viscoelastic testing (VET), including common pitfalls and interferences. We provide considerations for specific populations as well as complications including heparin resistance, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin reversal strategies. Future research directions include harmonization of therapeutic ranges, mitigation of assay interference and prospective evaluation on monitoring, particular in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), pregnancy and cardiac surgical settings.
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