Design and Implementation of an Anti-Factor Xa Heparin Monitoring Protocol.

Background: The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System introduced a new nurse-driven anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) protocol for monitoring unfractionated heparin to replace the previous activated partial thromboplastin time protocol.

Objective: To design, implement, and evaluate the efficacy of the anti-Xa monitoring protocol.

Methods: An interdisciplinary team of providers collaborated to develop and implement a nurse-driven, facility-wide anti-factor Xa protocol for monitoring unfractionated heparin therapy.