activated clotting time (ACT, activated coagulation time)

Indications: - monitoring high-dose heparin anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass & dialysis Specimen: 1) whole blood, no anticoagulant 2) collect into tubes containing Celite 2) test performed at bedside (operating room) 37 degrees Reference interval: 107 +/- 13 seconds Increases: - hemophilia A - hemophilia B - coagulation factor XI deficiency - multiple coagulation factor deficiency Interpretation: - test prolonged with severe deficiencies of procoagulants, except factor VII & factor XIII

Related

partial thromboplastin time (PTT) prothrombin time (PT) thrombin time (TT)

References

Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 3rd edition, NW Tietz ed, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1995