ACT
Activated Coagulation Time
Definition:
Diatomaceous earth is placed in
vaccutainer tube
Whole blood is added/drawn to give 2
ml blood/12 mg earth)
Principle:
Normal ACT:
Timer is started with addition of
blood to tube
Tube mixed well and tilted until
clot detected
Timer stopped
Mean of 98 seconds
Therapeutic
range:
180-240 sec. in deep vein thrombosis
Mean of 400 seconds during
cardiopulmonary bypass
Advantage:
Can be done point-of-care to monitor
heparin therapy