Determination of Heparin by Resonant Rayleigh Scattering (CAT#: STEM-ST-0014-YJL)

Introduction

Heparin is a water soluble, highly sulphated, linear polysaccharide consisting of alternating N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and d-iduronate residues. It is a constituent in various tissues, e.g. in the lining of arterial blood vessels, lungs and liver. The polymer is extensively used as an anticoagulant in many clinical procedures for the prevention of blood clotting. Furthermore, it is an effective antithrombotic agent that reduces morbidity and mortality among patients having deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Patients are administered heparin to minimize the risks associated with surgical procedures. In addition, heparin has immunoregulatory, antiphlogistic and antianaphylactic, etc. biological activities. Recently, many studies have shown that the efficacy of heparin correlates intimately with its dosage.