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- Title
Anti-Xa assays.
- Authors
Barras, Michael
- Abstract
The plasma anti-Xa assay is a laboratory test that indirectly measures the activity of heparins. It is predominantly used for monitoring patients treated with low molecular weight heparins, particularly when dosing at the extremes of weight and in patients who are pregnant, critically ill or have renal impairment. This monitoring is controversial as there is a poorly defined therapeutic range in different clinical settings and with different dosing regimens. Consequently, the timing of blood tests and their interpretation is problematic, often resulting in empirical dosing strategies. Limitations to the assay include its lack of availability. The assay is not available in many hospitals. Its use is also restricted by the lack of Australian consensus guidelines that assist clinicians to adjust doses in response to the result of the assay. The monitoring of prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparins is seldom indicated.
- Publication
Australian Prescriber, 2013, Vol 36, Issue 3, p98
- ISSN
0312-8008
- Publication type
Academic Journal
- DOI
10.18773/austprescr.2013.036