Coagulation
Coagulation laboratory tests
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
Author: Jeremy C. Parsons, M.D.
Last author update: 1 November 2012
Last staff update: 23 September 2020
Copyright: 2002-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
Table of Contents
Definition / generalCite this page: Parsons JC. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/coagulationLMWH.html. Accessed June 3rd, 2023.
Definition / general
- Recommended to monitor using chromogenic antifactor Xa assay on specimens obtained up to 4 hours after subcutaneous injection of LMWH (Chest 2001;119:64S)
- Recommended to use different calibrations for LMWH and unfractionated heparin, and to establish calibration curves for each lot and type of LMWH
- Don’t use PTT to monitor because LMWH doesn’t affect thrombin or factor IXa
