Heparinase-modified thrombelastometry: inactivation of heparin in plasma samples.

Background: The heparinase-modified thrombelastometry (HEPTEM) assay is a promising tool to assess the coagulation status of heparinised patients. The aim of our study was to examine the heparin neutralizing capability of the HEPTEM assay in plasma samples.

Methods: In the HEPTEM assay, blood or plasma samples become activated via the intrinsic pathway in the presence of a heparin processing enzyme.