Erroneous Activated Coagulation Time During Atrial Flutter Ablation

Table 3

Recommended steps when ACT is unexpectedly prolonged.

---

(1) Examine patient for signs of excessive bleeding

(2) Confirm correct doses of heparin administered

(3) Confirm no heparin being administered in error via intravenous lines

(4) Perform ACT in duplicate, with two devices

(5) Repeat ACT with a Cartridge/test tube from a new lot

(6) Send APTT to central laboratory

(7) Consider tests listed in Table 2 to confirm the presence of heparin in blood

(8) Consider Anti-Xa assay, if available

---