Nurse Driven Heparin Protocol

Message

The below tests are only for the NDHP (Nurse driven heparin protocol) being piloted in West Roxbury. Test is ordered Ward Collect via a special menu in CPRS and cannot be added on to samples already in the Lab.

Test Code

NURSE PTT, NURSE ANTI XA

Alias/See Also

Hematology

Preferred Specimen

Light Blue Top Tube – 3.2% sodium citrate

Transport Temperature

Best stored at room temp. Cold temps may lead to a gradual loss of VFW and Factor VIII activity. Do not transport directly on ice packs or on ice.

Specimen Stability

Whole blood, unopened tube, centrifuged or uncentrifuged
Nurse PTT:
Non-heparinized patients
Room temperature: 4 hours
Patients for VWF or VIII analysis
Room temperature: 4 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
Patients on unfractionated heparin
Centrifuge within 1hr of collection
Room temperature: 4 hours
Nurse Anti-Xa
1 hour – bring to lab immediately
Plasma aliquot
Room temperature: 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 4 hours
Frozen (-20°C): 2 weeks
Frozen (-70°C): 12 months

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Underdrawn or grossly hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable.

Methodology
Photo-optical endpoint

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

TAT 1 day

Reference Range

Nurse PTT
27.9 – 37.0 sec
Therapeutic heparinized range: 55.0 - 94.0 sec
Nurse Anti-Xa
0.3-0.7 IU/mL

Performing Laboratory
Test performed in the WX Hematology Lab
Contact West Roxbury: Nolan Raymond 857-203-5980

Last Updated: May 19, 2025

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.