Test Overview
Test Methodology

Mechanical endpoint clotting mechanism which is monitored optically via LED sensors.

Test Usage

Monitoring of heparin anticoagulation therapy (1.0 -6.0 units/mL) used during various medical procedures. Most commonly used in cardiac catheterization and cardiac bypass surgeries.

Point of Care Hemochron ACT testing is available in certain nursing units and procedure areas and is performed by authorized operators in those areas.

Reference Range *

Reference ranges are available in the Hemochron ACT test procedure located on the POC website: https://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/point-of-care

Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

•Samples must be collect in a manner that prevents contamination with tissue thromboplastin, indwelling intravenous solutions or alcohol cleaning solutions that interfere with coagulation assays.
•Use of glass collection tubes is prohibited
•Hemolysis
•Clotted or partially clotted specimen
•Presence of unexpected anticoagulant in specimen
•Presence of a lupus anticoagulant

Test Details
Analytic Time

Dependent on patient's coagulation status, analyzer reports up to 1005 seconds.

Soft Order Code
PACT
MiChart Code
POC Activated Clotting Time
Synonyms
    Laboratory
    Point of Care
    Section
    Point of Care
    Specimen Requirements
    Collection Instructions

    Syringe: Collect sample in a plain syringe without anticoagulants. Syringe needle should be 23 gauge or larger. Dosing of instrument cartridge should occur directly after collection.

    The amount of blood required to adequately flush the line until it is free of contamination is dependent on the amount of solution contained within the line. A typical heparin lock will require approximately 5-10 cc to clear the line.

    Special Handling

    Specimens should be tested immediately after collection.

    Contraindications
    Patient's who have hematocrit levels of <20 or >55 % should not be tested using this method.
    Normal Volume
    0.2 mL whole blood
    Minimum Volume
    50 µL
    Rejection Criteria
    Specimens containing either clots, fibrin strands, and/or lupus anticoagulant and specimens that are grossly hemolyzed.
    Additional Information

    For more test specific information, please refer to the test procedure found on the Michigan Medicine POC website: https://www.pathology.med.umich.edu/point-of-care

    Billing
    CPT Code
    85670
    LOINC
    ACT (80659-6)
    NY State Approved
    No