John Bierne

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) are obtained by fractionation or depolymerization of natural heparins. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been the most common way of measuring the molecular weight but RI or UV detectors alone are relative methods requiring calibration standards. A newer, absolute method involves the use of multi-angle light scattering (MALS), which does not require any standards.

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been the most common way of measuring the molecular weight and molecular weight distributions of LMWHs by using the two most common detection technologies: ultraviolet (UV) coupled with refractive index (RI) detection. However, these detectors embody a relative method in order to determine molecular weights, requiring calibration standards. A newer, absolute method involves the use of multi-angle light scattering (MALS), which does not require any standards.