Semin Thromb Hemost 2012; 38(06): 632-639
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1321954
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

External Quality Assurance for Heparin Monitoring

Roslyn A. Bonar
1   Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Haematology Quality Assurance Program, Northmead, New South Wales, Australia
,
Emmanuel J. Favaloro
2   Department of Haematology, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Pathology West, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
,
Katherine Marsden
3   Pathology Services, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
30 June 2012 (online)

Abstract

Although there is considerable debate regarding the usefulness of laboratory heparin monitoring, these test processes reflect a substantial portion of hemostasis laboratory activity. Accordingly, external quality assurance (EQA) remains an essential component of such testing, and ensures that laboratories provide the best available service for patient management. This report provides an overview of recent and past EQA related to heparin monitoring using data from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Haematology Quality Assurance Program, and heparin-containing plasma samples with concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.4 U/mL. Laboratory tests evaluated comprised activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and anti-Xa assays. Results for APTT and TT testing were largely as expected, showing prolongation with increasing concentrations of heparin. Fibrinogen assays were generally unaffected by the presence of therapeutic heparin levels. Although cross-laboratory median values for the anti-Xa assay were close to target values, substantial interlaboratory variation in results, expressed as coefficient of variation (CV), was observed in all exercises conducted over an 8-year period (5 to 28% for low-molecular weight heparin [LMWH] and 19 to 37% for unfractionated heparin). Duplicate samples sent in consecutive surveys resulted in similar median values. The use of a survey-provided standard as assay calibrant improved CVs in earlier surveys, but not in the most recent survey.

 
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