Unfractionated Heparin
Also written as UFH.
Unfractionated heparin works through antithrombin and is monitored by APTT.
What our notes say
- Unfractionated heparin works through antithrombin and is monitored by APTT. (Pharmacology Question Bank: 15 Clinical MCQs)
- A 55-year-old woman receives an unfractionated heparin infusion for a deep-vein thrombosis. (HEMATOLOGY EOY 2025 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- | Unfractionated heparin | APTT (★) | Potentiates antithrombin III, inhibits thrombin and Xa | (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
- Unfractionated heparin infusion: monitored via APTT (★) (Acute Leukaemia (AML/ALL) & WBC Disorders: Hematology Guide)
- Types: Unfractionated heparin (UFH) acts on both thrombin and Factor Xa. (Haemostasis & Coagulation: Platelet Function & Bleeding Disorders)
Practice questions on Unfractionated Heparin
A 55-year-old woman receives an unfractionated heparin infusion for a deep-vein thrombosis. Which test is most appropriate to monitor her anticoagulant effect?
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Thrombin time (TT)
- D-dimer
Answer: A. Unfractionated heparin prolongs the intrinsic pathway, so APTT is the standard monitoring test for dose titration. ---