Background

The RCH Anticoagulation service commenced in 1999 and is one program within the Clinical Haematology Department. The Anticoagulation service provides dedicated management of blood thinning (anticoagulant) medications to children within RCH and beyond.

The most common anticoagulants given to children are heparin, warfarin and clexane. Of these, heparin is usually only given whilst a child is in hospital. If a child needs anticoagulant therapy after going home from hospital, they will be given either warfarin or clexane.

Most children who require anticoagulant management by the Clinical Haematology department are taking warfarin. Warfarin was first used as an anticoagulant medication in the 1950s and is still the most commonly used blood thinning medication in both adults and children.

• Information for Families
• Information for Health Professionals
• Outpatient Clinics
• Warfarin Guidelines for Clinicians
• Clexane Guidelines for Clinicians Low Molecular Weight Heparin
• Thromboprophylaxis Guideline