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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.
Monitoring unfractionated heparin, order Heparin, Unfractionated (HEPUF).
Monitoring fondaparinux (Arixtra), 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 ​Frozen ​6 months
Rejection Criteria
Clotted or Hemolyzed
​Contamination with IV or Hickman Line fluids
​Specimens that thaw during storage or transport
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 BCSXP​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

Recommended therapeutic range for prophylaxis of DVT = 0.30 - 0.70 anti-Xa IU/mL

Recommended therapeutic range for treatment of DVT = 0.50-1.00 anti-Xa IU/mL

Recommended ranges based on blood sample collection 3-4 hours post-injection

Panic values: <0.10 or >1.50 anti-Xa IU/mL​

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 ​Frozen ​6 months
Rejection Criteria
Clotted or Hemolyzed
​Contamination with IV or Hickman Line fluids
​Specimens that thaw during storage or transport
Useful For
​Monitoring low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox, etc.) therapy.
Monitoring unfractionated heparin, order Heparin, Unfractionated (HEPUF).
Monitoring fondaparinux (Arixtra), order Fondaparinux (ARIXTRA).
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield

Recommended therapeutic range for prophylaxis of DVT = 0.30 - 0.70 anti-Xa IU/mL

Recommended therapeutic range for treatment of DVT = 0.50-1.00 anti-Xa IU/mL

Recommended ranges based on blood sample collection 3-4 hours post-injection

Panic values: <0.10 or >1.50 anti-Xa IU/mL​

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 BCSXP​
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.