Test Overview
Mechanical endpoint clotting mechanism which is monitored optically via LED sensors.
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 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.
•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
Dependent on patient's coagulation status, analyzer reports up to 1005 seconds.
Specimen Requirements
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.
Specimens should be tested immediately after collection.
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