Bedside Testing with the New CoaguChek Pro Activated Clotting Time Assay in Dialysis

The objective of this study was to assess the analytical performance of CoaguChek Pro activated clotting time (ACT) assay using 2 lots versus Hemochron Celite and glass ACT regarding ACT values and correlations versus heparin levels. Determinations were performed using 4 CoaguChek Pro meters and 1 Hemochron 801 meter. Samples were collected during hemodialysis before, after start of heparinization, and 2 h later. Agreement between CoaguChek Pro ACT and Hemochron Celite was good (r = 0.82, slope = 1.12) and moderate with Hemochron glass (r = 0.83, slope = 0.97). Agreement between both CoaguChek Pro lots was r = 0.98. Agreement between the activators, Hemochron Celite, and glass was r = 0.73. Correlation between CoaguChek Pro ACT and heparin concentration was r = 0.88 and 0.94; for Hemochron the correlation was r = 0.75 (Celite) and r = 0.73 (glass). CoaguChek Pro ACT is therefore suitable for monitoring heparin administration during dialysis.