Control of Anticoagulant Therapy

Prophylaxis

Heparin assays are not required routinely when 'low dose' subcutaneous heparin is used. They are available when dictated by a relevant clinical condition. The PTT is generally normal when low dose heparin is used.

The platelet count should be monitored in all patients on heparin as the drug may induce thrombocytopaenia. The use of any anticoagulant in pregnancy poses additional problems, which may require specialist advice.

Anticoagulation

Induction of heparin and warfarin treatment is described in detail in the hospital ward handbooks and on the anticoagulant charts.

Patients may be referred for long-term outpatient anticoagulant control. There is a special referral form for this purpose.

Anticoagulant Clinics

Clinics are held on all three sites and at various venues in the community. Please see table below for times and locations. 

Clinics at Heartlands and Solihull are controlled by the Anticoagulant nursing service 0121 424 1706.

Clinics at Good Hope and in the community are controlled by the Anticoagulant nursing service 0121 424 9342.

 All anticoagulant clinics are by timed appointment only.  Referrals must be made to the appropriate nursing team before a patient can be seen at clinic.  

There are two types of anticoagulant monitoring and control available.

• Referral to one of the clinics where the nurse led service will provide dosage and monitoring. Patients revisit period will be established and appointments made.
• Direct access to the laboratory coagulation service where the GP monitors and controls the dosage for patients together with the date of the next test.

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