Thromb Haemost 1982; 47(02): 177-181
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657157
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Problems by Using Whole Blood in Heparin Measurements

Ingebrigt Talstad
The Haematological Division, Medical Department B, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 19 January 1982

Accepted 03 March 1982

Publication Date:
13 July 2018 (online)

Summary

Problems by using whole blood (WB) of various packed cell volume (PCV) in heparin measurements were studied. WB had to be used within 1 hr, due to influence of platelet Factor 4. The increase of Ca++ by increasing PCV, had a moderate influence by the assays studied. The recalcification time (RT) of WB was timeconsuming and had low accuracy and precision, due to different heparin response. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) also had low accuracy and precision, due to different heparin response; the results were equal for WB and plasma. The thrombin clotting time (TCT) had high accuracy and precision in plasma. The TCT could also be used for WB since there was a good correlation between T20 (20 NTH U thrombin/ml) using WB, and T30 using plasma (r = 0.89, N = 61). The calcium thrombin clotting time (CaTCT) is not recommended for WB assaying.