Used as an anticoagulant to prevent blood clot formation during surgeries, dialysis, and in the treatment of conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Commonly administered intravenously or subcutaneously in clinical settings. Also used to flush intravenous catheters and tubing to maintain patency by preventing clot formation. Widely applied in cardiovascular procedures, extracorporeal circulation, and in laboratory settings to prevent blood samples from clotting.