A prothrombin time reagent for determination of low molecular weight
heparin in frsh whole blood and in anti-coagulant treated blood is
provided. The reagent is composed of recombinant animal tissue factor,
and a mixture of synthetic phospholipids, which mixture includes a
phosphatidylalcohol. A formulation buffer which includes a sensitivity
adjuster is used in formulating the reagent. The recombinant animal
tissue factor includes rabbit brain. The synthetic phospholipids of the
mixture include palmitoyloleoylphosphatidylcholine (POPC),
palmitoyloleoyl-phosphatidylserine (POPS), and a phosphatidylalcohol. The
phosphatidyl alcohol includes dioleoylphosphatidylethanol,
dioleoylphosphatidylmethanol, dioleoylphosphatidylpropanol,
dioleoylphosphatidylbutanol, and dioleoylphosphatidylinositol. The
sensitivity adjuster included in the formulation buffer is
.gamma.-Cyclodextrin. The formulated reagent is air-dried and remains
stable for at least 3 weeks at 37.degree. C.