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Activated clotting time as a screening test prior to catheter‐based cardiovascular procedures
Author(s) -
Siskin Gary P.,
Reiner Eric,
Stainken Brian F.,
Dowling Kyran,
Dolen Eric G.,
Quarfordt Steven,
Albons Gom
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
catheterization and cardiovascular interventions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.988
H-Index - 116
eISSN - 1522-726X
pISSN - 1522-1946
DOI - 10.1002/ccd.1265
Subject(s) - medicine , activated clotting time , coagulation , coagulation testing , predictive value , catheter , intensive care medicine , surgery , anticoagulant
The activated clotting time (ACT) was investigated as a rapid, inexpensive, point‐of‐service screening test for coagulation abnormalities prior to catheter‐based procedures. A total of 963 patients were screened by obtaining a history, standard coagulation profile, and activated coagulation time. The prevalence of normal patients (normal ACT and coagulation profile) was 94% (sensitivity = 91%; specificity = 27%). A normal ACT had a positive predictive value of 95%. The ACT was an acceptable screening test due to its ability to predict positively a low rate of bleeding complication and normal coagulation studies. Patients with ACT > 150 sec should be further evaluated with a screening coagulation panel. Additionally, given its low specificity, coagulation studies should be obtained in high‐risk patients since an abnormal ACT does not effectively correlate with abnormal coagulation studies. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;54:191–195. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.