What it means
The body makes antibodies against heparin bound to a platelet protein. The antibodies activate platelets, so the platelet count drops, usually by half or more, about 5 to 10 days after heparin is started (sooner if the client had heparin recently). Although platelets are low, the danger is new clots in veins and arteries, such as DVT, pulmonary embolism, stroke or limb ischemia.
For the nurse
Watch the platelet count while a client is on heparinHEP-uh-rinAn anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.Full entry . If HIT is suspected, the provider stops all heparin, including flushes and heparin-coated catheters, and orders a non-heparin anticoagulant such as argatroban. Record heparin as an allergy.
At a glance
| Also written | heparin-induced thrombocytopenia |
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Related terms
platelet
A tiny cell fragment in the blood that sticks together at a wound to help form a clot.
anticoagulant
A drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.
heparin
An anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.
thrombocytopenia
A blood platelet count below normal, under 150,000/mm3.