Medical emergency during act test

Last Updated On 23 April 2024

The Activated Clotting Time (ACT) test is a laboratory test used to assess the anticoagulant effect of medications, such as heparin, during cardiac procedures like cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, or bypass surgery.

The Activated Clotting Time (ACT) test is a laboratory test used to assess the anticoagulant effect of medications, such as heparin, during cardiac procedures like cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, or bypass surgery. It measures the time it takes for blood to clot after a specific activator is added.

ACT

Also Known asActivated Clotting Time, ACT, Activated Coagulation Time
Test PurposeTo monitor treatment with heparin or other blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) when undergoing heart bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, or dialysis
Test PreparationsNo Preparation Required
Test ComponentsACT Test
SpecimenWhole Blood
Stability RoomN/A
Stability RefrigeratedN/A
Stability FrozenN/A
MethodLee and white
Download ReportDownload Report

During the ACT test, a blood sample is drawn from the patient and mixed with an activator substance that initiates the clotting process. The activator used can vary depending on the laboratory or hospital protocol but often includes substances like celite, kaolin, or ellagic acid.

Why get tested?

To monitor treatment with heparin or other anticoagulant drugs (anticoagulants) when undergoing heart bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, or dialysis

When to get tested?

When you are receiving high doses of heparin to prevent clotting during and after surgical procedures such as heart bypass.
when heparin levels are too high to allow monitoring with a partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
When a quick result is necessary to control the treatment.

Interpretation

A normal activated clotting time (ACT) indicates that the blood tested does not contain heparin or that all heparin is inhibited by protamine (reversal of postoperative anticoagulation).

ACT is intended to monitor the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin. ACT target values may depend on the specific device and clinical scenario. ACT prolongation may also indicate coagulation factor deficiency, severe thrombocytopenia, or severe platelet dysfunction.

Sample Required:

Specimen: Whole blood

Collection: Blood (usually 0.5-1 mL) from venous/arterial vessel; indwelling or extracorporeal line is collected into the plastic syringe/tube (see image below) and immediately placed/poured into the device cuvette/cartridge

Storage: Whole blood specimen should be processed within 1 minute (or 2 min if specimen contains therapeutic level of unfractionated heparin)

Normal values:

Source 1

The normal range for ACT is 70-120 Second

Source 2