Researchers Identify Contaminant in Tainted Heparin

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While the reports represent progress, many mysteries still remain, said experts.

"The fact that there's a test available will certainly be helpful and can reassure the public that the heparin being used at their respective hospitals, if a test is being used, is safe. That's good news because heparin is a ubiquitous medication," said Dr. Jack Ansell, a hematologist and chairman of medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "The thing that's still puzzling is is this a natural contaminant or not? We don't know where it's coming from. The nature of the chemical suggests that this is a naturally derived product. If that's the case, it means that it's been inserted or added in some sense, and that still is unclear. We need more information about that."

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more on heparin.