CompuNet: Advancing Patient Care with Testing Expansion
CompuNet Expands Direct Access Testing
On April 8, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories will expand its Direct Access Test menu. With a focus on affordability and accessibility for a variety of patient needs, CompuNet is increasing testing options, streamlining with paperless reporting, enhancing reference materials, and better utilizing online resources. CompuNet is committed to continually growing this testing menu to adapt to market demand and patient needs.
ANTI XA ASSAY For Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)
Historically, the aPTT test was developed as a coagulopathy screening assay to detect issues such as factor deficiencies, lupus anticoagulants, and other inhibitors of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The aPTT test was eventually used to monitor various anticoagulant drugs, such as unfractionated heparin (UFH). However, due to interferences from the above, accurate drug monitoring presents many challenges using the aPTT.
In the past 15 years, more accessible and accurate testing has emerged in the laboratory coagulation market, Anti Xa assay. The Anti Xa assay is a more accurate and direct measurement of the effects of heparin in the patient. Heparin works primarily on Factor Xa and II. Thus, the Anti Xa assay is more specific for monitoring the anticoagulation effects of heparin.
Compared to traditional aPTT monitoring, Anti Xa assay based UFH monitoring has achieved therapeutic heparin levels faster, with fewer laboratory tests and heparin infusion adjustments one, two, and three.
Premier Health’s pharmacy services and CompuNet Clinical Laboratory implemented the Anti Xa Assay approximately four years ago system wide. The test panel in Epic is called System Heparin Orders Set.
For further questions, contact Catherine Hoesl MT(ASCP), system technical director of hematology and coagulation, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, at cchoesl@compunetlab.com.
References
- Guervil DJ, Rosenberg AF, Winterstein AG, Harris NS, Johns TE, Zumberg MS (2011) Activated partial thromboplastin time versus Anti Factor Xa heparin assay in monitoring unfractionated heparin by continuous intravenous infusion. Ann Pharmacother 45:861–868
- Belk KW, Laposata M, Craver C. A comparison of red blood cell transfusion utilization between anti-activated factor X and activated partial thromboplastin monitoring in patients receiving unfractionated heparin. J Thromb Haemost. 2016 Nov;14(11):2148-2157. doi: 10.1111/jth.13476. Epub 2016 Oct 28. PMID: 27543785.
- Vandiver JW, Vondracek TG. Antifactor Xa levels versus activated partial thromboplastin time for monitoring unfractionated heparin. Pharmacotherapy. 2012 Jun;32(6):546-58. doi: 10.1002/j.1875-9114.2011.01049.x. Epub 2012 Apr 24. PMID: 22531940.
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