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Hematology reagents used to determine the intrinsic clotting activity of the whole blood (i.e., activated clotting time [ACT]) using glass as an activator. The test is usually performed by adding the whole blood to a test tube or cartridge containing glass balls (i.e., the surface activator). The formation of a clot in a tube that is kept at normal body temperature (about 37 degrees Celsius/98.5 degrees Fahrenheit) determines the ACT value for glass which should be in the range of 110 to 190 seconds. This test is intended to monitor the effect and regulate the administration of high-dose unfractionated heparin before, during, and shortly after procedures (usually surgical, such as cardiopulmonary bypass) that require intense anticoagulant administration.
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