Evolving Practice: Role of Anti-Factor Xa Testing in Modern Anticoagulation

Laboratory monitoring of oral and parenteral anticoagulants plays a key role in ensuring their safe and effective use.  Laboratory personnel play an essential role in ensuring appropriate use and interpretation of these lab tests. This webinar will focus on the monitoring of unfractionated heparin and the newer direct oral anticoagulants, focusing on anti-factor Xa testing.

• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of using the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) versus an anti-factor Xa assay to monitor the effects of unfractionated heparin.
• Recommend appropriate laboratory testing to assess coagulation status in patients taking a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC).
• Discuss the role of anti-factor Xa assays in monitoring oral and parenteral anticoagulants.