What is the therapeutic range for Heparin, commonly used as an anticoagulant?

The therapeutic range for heparin, which is an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders, is typically monitored using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or anti-factor Xa levels, rather than a direct measurement in mg/dL as suggested in the choices provided.

For unfractionated heparin, the commonly accepted therapeutic range for aPTT is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. This corresponds to a therapeutic range of around 60-100 seconds, depending on the laboratory standards and the specific clinical scenario. The value mentioned in the correct option doesn't directly relate to the aPTT levels commonly seen in practice but suggests a recognition of the higher levels associated with increased anticoagulation effects or possibly referencing anti-factor Xa levels which typically can be around 0.3-0.7 units/mL for therapeutic dosing.

Understanding that heparin dosing and monitoring are critical for effective anticoagulation without leading to bleeding complications underscores the importance of recognizing the therapeutic ranges and validating them against clinical guidelines and laboratory protocols.