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Test Code HEPUF Heparin, Unfractionated

Useful For

Monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy.


If monitoring low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox, etc), then order Heparin, Low Molecular Weight (HEPLMW).


If monitoring fondaparinux (Arixtra), then order LabCorp test code 500465 (Fondaparinux Anti-Xa) as a "MISC" test.

Synonyms/Keywords

Heparin-unfract, Unfractionated Heparin, Xa, Anti-Xa

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
*Platelet Poor Plasma 3.2% Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)   0.75 mL 0.75 mL 0.5 mL

Collection/Processing Instructions

One 0.75 mL citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT) plasma aliquot. (If more than one coagulation test is ordered, a separate aliquot is needed for each test.)

 

  • Collect in Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)
  • Citrate anticoagulant must be adjusted for HCT >55%
  • Tube must be at least 90% full
  • Invert completely 3-4 times (without shaking) to mix


*See Instructions for: Preparation of Platelet Poor Plasma

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma (stored on cells or platelet poor aliquot) Room Temperature (15 to 25° C) 4 hours
Platelet Poor Plasma Frozen (≤ -18° C) 3 days
Platelet Poor Plasma Frozen (≤ -74° C) 3 months

Rejection Criteria

Specimen tubes under-filled (below the fill line) and over-filled (above the fill line)
Gross Hemolysis
Clotted
Frozen whole blood
Contamination with IV or Hickman Line fluids
Specimens that thaw during storage or transport
Specimens with HCT >55% that have not had the citrate anticoagulant adjusted

Reference Range Information

Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield

When measured by the anti-Xa method, the recommended therapeutic range for unfractionated heparin is 0.30-0.70 IU/mL. (Chest 2008; 133(6S):141S-159S)

See Critical Value Policy for list of current critical values

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Hematology

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Monday through Friday
8 am - 4 pm
Less than 2 hours Anti-Factor-Xa Chromogenic/Siemens Sysmex CS 2500

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85520        

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
85520        

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Heparin, Unfractionated