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Hematology reagents used to determine the intrinsic clotting activity of the whole blood (i.e., activated clotting time [ACT]) using the diatomaceous earth Celite (a naturally formed soft rock) as an activator. The test is usually performed by adding the whole blood to a test tube or cartridge containing Celite (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 Celite which should be in the range of 100 to 170 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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