Assay of Factor XII clotting activity in heparinized plasma

Clotting tests based upon the activated partial thromboplastin time are disturbed by heparin. This brief communication shows that Factor XII clotting activity in plasma samples heparinized in vitro and in vivo can be measured accurately by means of an aPTT-test using congenitally deficient substrate plasma when the plasma dilution buffer contains hexadimethrine bromide (Polybrene), 15 mg/L. This method of neutralizing heparin obviates more complicated procedures such as heparin adsorption to anion exchange resins.