Changes

===Activated Clotting Time===

===Activated Clotting Time===

2:The activated clotting time (ACT) can be performed manually with the specific blood tubes containing

The activated clotting time (ACT) allows rapid evaluation of secondary haemostasis. The ACT is the time taken for 2ml of fresh whole blood to clot in a tube with a contact activator (diatomaceous earth²), but an automated analyser can perform a test with a similar principle. The reaction must occur at body temperature to give a reliable indication of haemostatic ability: this can be achieved by the use of a warm water bath, or by holding the tubes under an arm. The normal ACT is 90-120 seconds and less than 74 seconds in dogs and cats respectively².

diatomaceous earth (ACT tubes, Becton Dickinson) or with an automated analyzer. If performed manually the

 

tubes must be kept at body temperature through out the procedure, this is ideally achieved by the use of a

controlled warm water bath or they can be kept under an arm and gently rocked. 2ml of blood are added to the

tube and the time from collection to clot formation is measured. The normal ACT in a dog is 90-120 seconds and

< 75 seconds in cats.

The ACT evaluates both the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways so it is prolonged with abnormalities or

The ACT evaluates both the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways so it is prolonged with abnormalities or

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

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