Key result
Anti-factor Xa activity in stored samples remains stable for 6 hours, while aPTT alters after 4.
Why the study?
Discrepancies exist in anti-factor Xa activity and aPTT measurements depending on reagents and blood collection tubes, affecting heparin monitoring stability.
Does blood sample storage for up to 6 hours in different collection tubes and tested with different reagents affect the stability of aPTT and anti-factor Xa measurements in patients receiving heparin?
Observational
No
Does blood sample storage for up to 6 hours in different collection tubes and tested with different reagents affect the stability of aPTT and anti-factor Xa measurements in patients receiving heparin?
Anti-factor Xa activity is stable for up to 6 hours in whole blood or plasma regardless of collection tube or reagent, offering a more reliable monitoring parameter than aPTT which can be altered after 4 hours.
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Anti-Xa may be preferred over aPTT for heparin monitoring of samples stored up to 6 hours; leaves open prospective outcome validation.
Gremillet et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Patients receiving unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Blood sample storage up to 6 hours vs. Baseline (1 hour storage) was evaluated on Stability of anti-factor Xa activity and aPTT over 6 hours. Anti-factor Xa activity in samples stored as whole blood or plasma was stable for up to 6 hours regardless of reagent or tube, whereas aPTT was more variable and altered after 4 hours.
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