Evaluation of point-of-care activated partial thromboplastin time testing by comparison to laboratory-based assay for control of intravenous heparin.

Introduction: Patients on intravenous heparin require regular activated partial thromboplastin time monitoring. Laboratory-based activated partial thromboplastin time assays necessitate a delay between blood sampling and dose adjustment. Point-of-care testing could permit immediate dose adjustments, potentially enabling tighter control of anticoagulation.