We have recently switched to monitoring heparin assays for our weight based heparin drips and have had several situations where the heparin assays have remained subtherapeutic despite high doses of heparin (>25units/kg/hr). This has been occurring more in our critical care population. Has anyone encountered the same issue and have any guidance on how to manage ( argatroban vs giving thrombin vs alternative monitoring vs other) thanks.

I would like to network with organizations that have a low number of heparin events and/or have completed work to improve safety surrounding heparin. Our hospital is doing a comprehensive review of our heparin processes. Please contact me if you would be willing to speak concerning heparin. Thank you for your consideration.

Has anyone dealt with the Impella VAD and heparin safety issues? My cards coordinator says it requires a heparin drip autotitrayedby the VAD controller to maintain a certain pressure, and that a separate heparin infusion is run via smart pump to achieve systemic anticoag.

Any experience/insight appreciated -

I work for a 15 hospital system and we are tackling standardizing heparin concentrations used in radiology for peripheral vascular procedures (e.g. catheter directed thromboplysis). The radiologists say that they need dilute heparin so there is sufficient flow rate in addition to the MOA of heparin to prevent pericatheter thrombosis.

My premises to this project:
- Minimize available heparin drip concentrations to 1-2 at most organziation-wide
- Use premixed solutions whenever possible

Dear List,

What are your thoughts about adding a "Contains Heparin" sticker to the labels of low volume/high risk preps such as neonatal hydration fluids that contain heparin for maintaining line patency? It was suggested that this may be a way to reduce the risk of inadvertently administering a heparin-containing fluid.

Thank you in advance for your responses,
Jeff