Sign in →

Test Code UFH Unfractionated Heparin Anti-Xa Assay

Important Note

Samples should be collected 6 hours after initiation or dose adjustment.

Additional Codes

Epic Ordering Code LAB1754
NBS code LBC02686
Service code 12434

Specimen Requirements

Submit the following: 

 

Preferred:
Light Blue Top

Processing Requirements

Submit only one of the following specimens


Specimen Type: Whole Blood
Container/Tube: 2 Light Blue Top (3.2% Sodium Citrate)
Volume: 2 × 2.7 mL Whole Blood (Tubes must be full)
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimens to laboratory immediately.


Specimen Type: Platelet Poor Plasma
Container/Tube: 2 Light Blue Top (3.2% Sodium Citrate)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic Vial

Minimum Volume: 1.0 mL plasma
Collection Instructions:
1. Light blue top tube must be properly filled with whole blood.

2. Whole blood specimen should be double centrifuged and plasma separated from cells within 1 hr of collection.
3. Plasma should be separated into 2 aliquots with minimum volume of 1.0 mL each.
4. Freeze the aliquots in well-closed plastic tubes immediately.

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type Plasma
Ambient 4 hours
Refrigerate 4 hours
Frozen 14 days (preferred)

Specimen Condition

Haemolysis Gross reject
Icterus Gross reject
Lipaemia Gross reject
Others Clotted or insufficient reject

Methodology

Chromogenic Assay

Days and Times Performed

Monday through Friday, TAT 7 days

Reference Interval

Heparin (80 units/kg bolus, then 18 units/kg/h) 0.30 – 0.70 IU/mL

Testing Laboratory

National University Hospital
Haematology, 67725320

Useful For

Monitoring  of unfractionated heparin therapy

Update

Last updated 22/06/2026

Alias

UFH
Anti-Xa