Which test is primarily used to monitor Heparin therapy and detect fibrin split products?

The test primarily used to monitor Heparin therapy and detect fibrin split products is the thrombin time. This assay measures the time taken for fibrinogen to be converted to fibrin in the presence of thrombin.

In the context of Heparin therapy, which is an anticoagulant, it is crucial to monitor patients for clotting status. Thrombin time can help assess the efficiency of the coagulation pathway that is impacted by anticoagulants. When Heparin is administered, it prolongs the thrombin time due to its interference with the coagulation cascade, thus helping to evaluate the degree of anticoagulation.

Additionally, thrombin time can also reflect the presence of fibrin split products (fibrin degradation products), which can indicate the breakdown of fibrinogen or fibrin due to activation of fibrinolysis. Therefore, it serves a dual purpose in monitoring the effects of Heparin and assessing the fibrinogen degradation aspects resulting from coagulation disorders.

In this context, the other tests mentioned serve different primary purposes. Prothrombin time is mainly used for monitoring Vitamin K antagonists like warfarin and does not specifically measure Heparin's effects. Activated partial thromboplastin time is another