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22539 Heparin, Low Molecular Weight

Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
Test Code: HEPLMW
Synonyms/Keywords
​LMWH, Heparin, Low Mol Wt
Useful For
​Monitoring low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox, etc.) therapy.
If monitoring unfractionated heparin, then order Heparin, Unfractionated (HEPUF).
If monitoring fondaparinux (Arixtra), then order Fondaparinux (ARIXTRA).
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
*Platelet Poor Plasma 3.2% Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)​ ​ 0.75 mL ​ 0.75 mL ​ 0.5 mL​
Collection Processing Instructions

Note: To monitor Low Molecular Weight Heparin (Lovenox, etc.) therapy recommend sample collection 3-4 hours post injection.

One 0.75 mL citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT) plasma aliquot.
If more than one coagulation test is ordered, a separate aliquot is needed for each test.
-Collect in Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)
-Citrate anticoagulant must be adjusted for HCT >55%
-Tube must be at least 90% full
-Invert completely 3-4 times (without shaking) to mix
*See Instructions for: Preparation of Platelet Poor Plasma ​

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
​Plasma (stored on cells or platelet poor aliquot) ​Room Temperature (15 to 25 degrees C) ​4 hours
​Platelet Poor Plasma​Frozen (< or = -18 degrees C)​3 days
​Platelet Poor Plasma​Frozen (< or = -74 degrees C)​3 months
Rejection Criteria
​Specimen tubes under-filled (below the fill line) and over-filled (above the fill line)
Gross Hemolysis
​Clotted
​Frozen whole blood
​Contamination with IV or Hickman Line fluids
​Specimens that thaw during storage or transport
​Specimens with HCT >55% that have not had the citrate anticoagulant adjusted
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield ​Monday through Friday ​Less than 2 hours Anti-Factor-Xa chromogenic/Siemens Sysmex CS 2500​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

When measured by the anti-Xa method and samples drawn 4 hours after subcutaneous injection the therapeutic range is:

0.6 - 1.0 IU/mL for twice daily administration and

1.0 - 2.0 IU/mL for once daily administration.

(Chest 2001;119(1S):64S-94S)

Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​85520 ​ ​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
​LMWH, Heparin, Low Mol Wt
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Centricity ​Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
​Cerner ​Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
​COM ​Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
*Platelet Poor Plasma 3.2% Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)​ ​ 0.75 mL ​ 0.75 mL ​ 0.5 mL​
Collection Processing

Note: To monitor Low Molecular Weight Heparin (Lovenox, etc.) therapy recommend sample collection 3-4 hours post injection.

One 0.75 mL citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT) plasma aliquot.
If more than one coagulation test is ordered, a separate aliquot is needed for each test.
-Collect in Citrated Blue Top Tube (BTT)
-Citrate anticoagulant must be adjusted for HCT >55%
-Tube must be at least 90% full
-Invert completely 3-4 times (without shaking) to mix
*See Instructions for: Preparation of Platelet Poor Plasma ​

Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
​Plasma (stored on cells or platelet poor aliquot) ​Room Temperature (15 to 25 degrees C) ​4 hours
​Platelet Poor Plasma​Frozen (< or = -18 degrees C)​3 days
​Platelet Poor Plasma​Frozen (< or = -74 degrees C)​3 months
Rejection Criteria
​Specimen tubes under-filled (below the fill line) and over-filled (above the fill line)
Gross Hemolysis
​Clotted
​Frozen whole blood
​Contamination with IV or Hickman Line fluids
​Specimens that thaw during storage or transport
​Specimens with HCT >55% that have not had the citrate anticoagulant adjusted
Useful For
​Monitoring low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox, etc.) therapy.
If monitoring unfractionated heparin, then order Heparin, Unfractionated (HEPUF).
If monitoring fondaparinux (Arixtra), then order Fondaparinux (ARIXTRA).
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

When measured by the anti-Xa method and samples drawn 4 hours after subcutaneous injection the therapeutic range is:

0.6 - 1.0 IU/mL for twice daily administration and

1.0 - 2.0 IU/mL for once daily administration.

(Chest 2001;119(1S):64S-94S)

For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
​Marshfield ​Monday through Friday ​Less than 2 hours Anti-Factor-Xa chromogenic/Siemens Sysmex CS 2500​
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
​85520 ​ ​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.