Removal of heparin from heparin-containing blood plasma samples using a triethylaminoethyl cellulose tablet

A method for removing substantially all heparin from a heparin-containing blood plasma test sample which comprises:

• A. adding to 1 milliliter of plasma sample a diagnostic tablet comprising from about 5.4 to about 10 parts by weight of granular microcrystalline cellulose per part by weight of fibrous triethylaminoethyl cellulose, said tablet being formulated to provide from about 5 to about 26 mg of triethylaminoethyl cellulose per milliliter of plasma sample;
• B. agitating (A) for a time sufficient to disintegrate the tablet and distribute the fibrous triethylaminoethyl cellulose throughout the plasma sample and permit the adsorption of heparin;
• C. centrifuging (B) to remove substantially all of the insoluble triethylaminoethyl cellulose heparin complex formed in the plasma sample, together with uncomplexed tablet ingredients;
• thereby obtaining a substantially heparin-free blood plasma sample suitable for coagulation testing.