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Thromb Haemost 1985; 54(03): 630-634
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660086
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

The Measurement of Heparin and Other Therapeutic Sufphated Polysaccharides in Plasma, Serum and Urine

J Dawes
1   The MRC/SNBTS Blood Components Assay Group, Edinburgh, UK
,
C V Prowse
2   The Edinburgh & S-E Scotland Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, UK
,
D D Pepper
3   The SNBTS Headquarters Laboratory, Edinburgh, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 30 April 1985

Accepted 29 July 1985

Publication Date:
19 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

The competitive binding assay described will specifically and accurately measure concentrations of administered heparin in biological fluids with a sensitivity of 60 ng ml-1. Neither endogenous glycosaminoglycans, nor plasma proteins such as ATIII and PF4 interfere in the assay. Semi-synthetic highly sulphated heparinoids and LMW heparin can also be measured. Using this assay heparin clearance followed simple first-order kinetics over the dose range 100-5,000 units, but the half-life was strongly dose-dependent. There was good correlation with heparin activity measurements by APTT and anti-Xa clotting assays. Plasma concentrations were measurable for at least 5 h following subcutaneous injection of 10,000 units of heparin. Excretion in the urine could be followed after all but the lowest intravenous dose. This assay, used in conjunction with measurements of heparin anticoagulant activity, will be valuable in the elucidation of mechanisms of action of heparin and the heparinoids, and in the assessment and management of problems related to heparin therapy.

Keywords

Heparin - Heparinoids - Competitive binding assay - Clearance - Volunteer studies
 

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