Which laboratory test is monitored for patients receiving Heparin?

The laboratory test that is monitored for patients receiving Heparin is the Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT). This test is essential because Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by activating antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, leading to a decrease in thrombin levels and thus preventing the formation of clots.

Monitoring the PTT allows healthcare providers to determine if the dosage of Heparin is therapeutic and to make necessary adjustments. The goal is to maintain the PTT within a specific range to ensure effective anticoagulation and minimize the risk of bleeding or thrombosis.

Using PTT is particularly important as it can give immediate feedback on the effects of Heparin therapy, ensuring that it is both safe and effective for the patient’s condition. Other tests, such as PT and INR, are more relevant for monitoring warfarin therapy rather than Heparin, and while fibrinogen levels can provide additional information about the coagulation status, they are not the primary test used for monitoring Heparin.