Anticoagulant Treatments

Anticoagulant Treatments

An anticoagulant is a substance that prevents coagulation (clotting) of blood. Such substances occur naturally in leeches and blood-sucking insects. Various groups of anticoagulants are available to clinicians for the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosispulmonary embolismmyocardial infarction and stroke. Anticoagulants reduce blood clotting.

These treatments are characterised by different targets, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic profiles and varying pathological states. Their monitoring requires the use of specific assays and calibrators and controls.