Heparin therapy: current regimens and principles of monitoring.

ABSTRACT

Standard heparin is currently in wide use, and along with low-molecular-weight heparin, its administration may well increase in the future. Present clinical indications are well documented. Laboratory monitoring is important and requires a practical understanding of therapeutic levels and of causes of spurious results. Like many drugs, heparin has serious potential side effects that must be considered both before and after starting therapy.