Introduction: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) reflect anticoagulation agents given to treat or prevent thrombosis, having largely replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) such as warfarin. DOACs are given in fixed daily doses and generally do not need monitoring. However, there may be a variety of reasons that justify measurement of plasma DOAC levels in individual patients.
Methods: We report updated findings for DOAC testing in our geographic region, using recent data from the RCPAQAP, an international external quality assessment (EQA) program, currently with some 40-60 participants in each of the different DOAC (rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran) modules, to assess laboratory performance in this area. Data has been assessed for the past 5 years (2019-2023 inclusive), with 20 samples each per DOAC.
Results: Data shows a limited repertoire of assays in use, and mostly consistency in reported numerical values when assessing proficiency samples. Available assays mostly comprised reagents from four manufacturing suppliers. There was good consistency across what participants identified as 'DOAC detected', but some variability when participants attempted to grade DOAC levels as low vs moderate vs high. Inter-laboratory/method coefficient of variation (CVs) were generally <15% for each DOAC, when present at >100 ng/mL.
Conclusion: We hope our findings, reflecting on mostly consistent reporting of DOAC levels and interpretation provides reassurance for clinicians requesting these measurements, and helps support their implementation in regions where there is a paucity of test availability.
Keywords: DOAC; EQA; anti‐Xa; anti‐thrombin; apixaban; assay variability; dabigatran; direct oral anticoagulant; external quality assessment; laboratory testing; proficiency testing; rivaroxaban.
© 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Laboratory Hematology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.