What Is Anti Factor Xa?
Anti Factor Xa is a medical laboratory test that measures the amount of anti-activated factor X (anti-Xa) in blood. The amount of heparin present in the body determines the amount of factor Xa contained in blood.
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Heparin
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Also known as the Anti Factor Xa Level, this test is used in conjunction with therapy which uses heparin, an anti-anticoagulant medication. Heparin levels in patients who are being treated with low molecular weight or standard heparin are monitored with the Anti Factor Xa test.
The Test
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A blood sample is needed to conduct an Anti Factor Xa test and is done at the order of a physician. Because the body operates differently throughout the day, the blood sample may need to be taken at a particular time of day.
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Results
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Normal results from the Anti Factor Xa blood test depend on the type of heparin therapy the patient is undergoing. Normal therapeutic range for patients undergoing low molecular weight heparin therapy is 0.5 to 1.0 International Units per milliliter. The normal range for patients on unfractioned (normal) heparin therapy is 0.3 to 0.7 IU/ml.
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References
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