Activated clotting time & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is activated clotting time?

The activated clotting time (ACT) test is used to measure the blood's response to the use of some anticoagulants such as heparin or direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI). These drugs are commonly used in angioplasty, kidney dialysis, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

This test measures the time it takes for the blood to clot after being given some stimulant. With ACT, your doctor can observe how your blood reacts to an anticoagulant such as heparin.

Both APPT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and ACT (activated clotting time) can be used to monitor patients who are given heparin during the CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) process. However, compared to APTT, ACT has more advantages.

First, ACT results are more accurate than APTT when high doses of heparin are used to inhibit coagulation. This is particularly useful in several clinical situations requiring high doses of heparin, including CPB. Unlike ACT, APTT is unable to measure conditions like this. The target ACT is 400-480 seconds at CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass).

Second, ACT does not cost much and is easier to do and can even be done in bed. Of course this can save time and effort.

When do I have to undergo the activated clotting time?

This test is performed for patients who will undergo:

• percutaneous coronary intervention
• kidney dialysis
• CPB (Cardiopulmonary bypass)

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing an activated clotting time?

Some of the factors that can affect the test results include:

• biological conditions such as hypothermia, blood thinning, platelet count and function
• factors affecting the pharmacokinetics of heparin (eg, kidney disease or liver disease) and anti-heparin
• blood clots can increase ACT results more than normal, so the test results are inaccurate

Pay attention to the warnings and precautions before having this surgery. If you have any questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing the activated clotting time?

There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. However, the doctor may check your health condition first. Consult your doctor about certain preparations before undergoing the test.

It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How is the activated clotting time process?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after undergoing an activated clotting time?

Some people may feel pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain.

After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual.

If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

The normal range for each test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Usually, the normal range will be written on the test result paper. Discuss with our doctor or healthcare professional before the test and after receiving the test results for accurate results.

Normal

Blood clot in 70-120 seconds.

If you are on anticoagulant therapy, the normal range is 150-600 seconds.

Abnormal

Blood takes longer to clot. Some of the contributing factors include:

• use of Heparin
• lack of blood clotting factors
• cirrhosis
• lupus inhibitors
• use of Warfarin

Blood takes less time to clot (aggregate) which can interfere with blood flow.

The normal range for the activated clotting time test can vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.