Low-molecular-weight heparin as a multipurpose anticoagulant for laboratory testing

Osaka City Med J. 2000 Jun;46(1):37-53.

Abstract

The availability of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for use as an anti-coagulant for laboratory testing was studied. Hematology and chemistry tests were performed with an automated hematology analyzer and an automated chemistry analyzer, respectively. The results of hematology tests of LMWH-treated blood were similar to those obtained for blood treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-2K, except for platelet count. The platelet count of LMWH-treated blood was lower than that of EDTA-treated blood, and the decrease in platelet count in the former was due to platelet aggregation. Prothrombin time tests could be performed with plasma prepared from LMWH-treated blood, although with such blood the prothrombin time was prolonged. Chemistry tests could be performed for all 18 parameters. These results suggest that LMWH is a candidate for use for hematology testing (with the exception of platelet count), coagulation testing, and chemistry tests.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants*
  • Blood Cell Count / methods
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / methods
  • Blood Coagulation Tests / methods
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight