| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Anti-Xa - Heparin (unfract)
Test CodeHEPA (Xa)
Preferred Specimen
3.2% sodium citrate - blue top tube
Instructions
The light blue capped tubes, containing 3.2% buffered sodium citrate, used for coagulation testing must be allowed to fill completely (after filling a small air space will normally be present). We cannot accept a short filled tube. Centrifuge within 1 hour of collection. Complete testing with in 4 hours of collection or transfer specimen to polypropylene plastic tube using a plastic transfer pipette. Freeze plasma < -20°C
Note: All sites except BUMCP and BDMC must separate and freeze plasma before sending to BUMCP.
Note: All sites except BUMCP and BDMC must separate and freeze plasma before sending to BUMCP.
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
| · 4 hours at 2-8°C or 20°C, |
| · 2 weeks at -20°C |
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
| · clotted specimens |
| · underfilled or overfilled tube |
| · collection in 3.8% Citrate |
| · specimens collected in expired tubes |
| · serum samples |
| · specimen past stability |
| · thawed frozen samples |
| · Hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic sample |
Clinical Significance
Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) and Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) are used for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic diseases. The quantitative determination of plasma UFH and LMWH levels are useful for monitoring treatment efficacy.
