Heparin assay: a comparison between titrimetric and amidolytic methods

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Heparin is a crucial anticoagulant.
• Accurate measurement of heparin concentration and activity is vital for clinical and research applications.
• Existing methods for heparin assessment have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the titration assay with protamine sulfate and the amidolytic method for heparin assessment.
• To evaluate the influence of antiheparin factors on heparin activity determination.
• To propose a combined approach for comprehensive heparin analysis.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative measurement of heparin concentration using titration with protamine sulfate.
• Determination of heparin biological activity via the amidolytic method.
• Assay of antiheparin factors by evaluating residual heparin activity after addition to plasma.

Main Results:

• Titration assay provides quantitative heparin concentration.
• Amidolytic method is susceptible to interference from antiheparin factors, affecting activity assessment.
• Antiheparin factors can be quantified by measuring residual heparin activity.

Conclusions:

• Titration with protamine sulfate offers precise heparin concentration measurement.
• The amidolytic method is suitable for assessing heparin's biological activity, especially in the presence of antiheparin factors.
• Combining both methods enables accurate assessment of heparin concentration and specific activity in various media.