Which laboratory study is used to evaluate the proper dosage for heparin therapy?

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The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a laboratory test used to monitor heparin therapy and evaluate the proper dosage. Heparin acts by increasing the time it takes for blood to clot, and the aPTT measures the time it takes for clotting to occur. The goal of heparin therapy is to achieve a therapeutic range of aPTT, which is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value. Therefore, monitoring aPTT levels is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy. Serum heparin levels may also be used to monitor heparin therapy, but aPTT is the most commonly used laboratory study. Complete blood count and sedimentation rate are not used to monitor heparin therapy.

Which Laboratory Study Is Used to Evaluate the Proper Dosage