Activated clotting time

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Activated Clotting Time (ACT; /ækˈtɪveɪtɪd ˈklɒtɪŋ taɪm/) is a medical test used primarily to monitor anticoagulation during certain medical procedures that require rapid anticoagulation effect assessment.

Etymology

The term "Activated Clotting Time" is derived from its function. "Activated" refers to the initiation of the coagulation process, "clotting" refers to the formation of a blood clot, and "time" refers to the duration it takes for a clot to form.

Procedure

The ACT test involves adding a substance to a sample of blood that activates clot formation. The time it takes for a clot to form is then measured. This is usually done in a hospital or laboratory setting.

Usage

ACT is most commonly used during procedures that require high levels of anticoagulation, such as cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention, and hemodialysis. It helps to ensure that the patient is adequately anticoagulated to prevent thrombosis, but not so much as to cause bleeding complications.

Related Terms

  • Coagulation: The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a clot.
  • Anticoagulation: The process of hindering the clotting of blood.
  • Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing the flow of blood.
  • Hemodialysis: A process of purifying the blood of a person whose kidneys are not working normally.
  • Percutaneous coronary intervention: A non-surgical procedure used to treat the stenotic (narrowed) coronary arteries of the heart.
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass: A technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery.

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