Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
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Lab Dept:

Coagulation

Test Name:

HEPARIN NEUTRALIZATION

General Information

Lab Order Codes:

HEPN

Synonyms:

Heparin Removal; Hepzyme®

CPT Codes:

85525 – Heparin neutralization

Test Includes:

N/A

Logistics

Test Indications:

Useful for ruling out heparin contamination as being responsible for abnormal results of the PT, PTT, TT, Factor assays and other special coagulation studies.

Useful for removing heparin from coagulation samples drawn through a heparinized line, especially in NICU patients.

Used to evaluate a patient’s liver function while on heparin therapy.

Lab Testing Sections:

Coagulation

Phone Numbers:

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

 

612-813-6280

651-220-6550

Test Availability:

Daily, 24 hours

Turnaround Time:

2 hours

Special Instructions:

Ordering heparin removal is not to be used in lieu of obtaining the best sample possible from a non-heparinized line or venipuncture.

Specimen

Specimen Type:

Whole blood

Container:

Light Blue top tube (Buffered Na Citrate 3.2%)

Draw Volume:

2.7 mL blood

Processed Volume:

1.0 mL plasma

Collection:

A clean venipuncture is essential

Patient’s with hematocrit levels >55% must have a special tube made to adjust for the hematocrit; contact laboratory for special tube.

Deliver immediately to the laboratory.

Room temperature; Do Not freeze.

Special Processing:

N/A

Patient Preparation:

None

Sample Rejection:

The following specimens will be rejected:

Improper tube, Clotted specimen, Overfilled tube, Underfilled tube, Heparin assay specimen

If a PT/INR is the only coag test ordered.

Interpretive

Reference Range:

N/A

Critical Values:

N/A

Limitations:

Up to 2.0 IU/mL heparin can be removed from plasma to test a PT, PTT and FIB. TT and factor assay plasma is limited to 1.0 IU/mL. Therapeutic heparin cannot be separated from heparin contamination.

Methodology:

Enzyme inhibition (Hepzyme®)

Contraindications:

N/A

References:

Keller FG, et al (1998) The Use of Heparinase to Neutralize Residual Heparin in Blood Samples Drawn Through Pediatric Indwelling Central Venous Catheters, J Pediat 132:165