Fractionated vs. Unfractionated Heparin

Heparin, both fractionated and unfractionated forms, are active compounds used to prevent the clotting of blood. Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant and is indicated in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and angina/heart attacks in combination with aspirin, according to the journal "Current Cardiology Reports."

Significance

• All types of heparin exert their anticlotting properties by blocking an element found in normal blood called thrombin.

Features

• Fractionated heparin is manufactured from unfractionated heparin to produce a much smaller-sized compound that has similar properties in terms of prevention of clotting, but requires more preparation.

Cost

• Unfractionated heparin costs far less than fractionated heparin because of the added processing required to produce it.

Comparison

• Both forms of heparin have been shown to be equally effective for clot prevention. However, fractionated heparin can be given less frequently (once daily) and can also cause less bleeding in patients.

Advantage

• An advantage to using fractionated heparin is that is does not require the constant blood monitoring in the laboratory (aPTT/PT/INR) that unfractionated heparin does.