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956 bytes added ,  12:33, 25 August 2010
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===ACT===
 
===ACT===
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2:The activated clotting time (ACT) can be performed manually with the specific blood tubes containing
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diatomaceous earth (ACT tubes, Becton Dickinson) or with an automated analyzer. If performed manually the
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tubes must be kept at body temperature through out the procedure, this is ideally achieved by the use of a
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controlled warm water bath or they can be kept under an arm and gently rocked. 2ml of blood are added to the
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tube and the time from collection to clot formation is measured. The normal ACT in a dog is 90-120 seconds and
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< 75 seconds in cats.
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The ACT evaluates both the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways so it is prolonged with abnormalities or
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deficiencies in factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II or I. Because the ACT is a test on whole blood it can also be mildly
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prolonged by thrombocytopenia (<50,000). Disease processes expected to prolong the ACT include DIC, liver
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disease, Vitamin K antagonist poisons and hemophilia A & B.
    
===PT===
 
===PT===
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