Current evaluation of biological activity of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) is dependent solely on technics determining Xa inhibition. Comparison of these technics was carried out during 2 studies of the use of CY 222 during hemodialysis. In the first study, 66 plasma samples from 11 patients treated with 200 or 250 U A Xa IC kg/i.v. at start of session (sample collections at 2-4 h) were tested using a chronometric technic (Hepaclot Stago-plasma diluted to 1/3) and 2 chromogenic technics on microplates using C.B.S. 31-39 substrates (Stachrom-modified Stago: incubation time 90" for a wide range) and S 2222 (Coatest-modified Kabi: incubation time 180"). In the second, 28 plasma samples from 7 patients (sample collection 2-4 h, TO following session; anticoagulation CY 222 10,000-15,000-20,000 U A Xa IC) were studied by 2 chronometric methods: Hepaclot (Stago) and Heptest (Hemachem). Standardization was with CY 222 in each case (results expressed as U A Xa IC). Mean blood heparin in the first study was 2.39 +/- 0.7 with Hepaclot, 2.50 +/- 0.55 with Stachrom and 1.94 +/- 0.37 with Coatest. Student's test failed to show any difference between results with Strachrom and Hepaclot (t = 1.48 NS) whereas the difference was very significant between Hepaclot and Coatest and Stachrom and Coatest (p less than 10(-9).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)