title: Activated coagulation time test: a convenient monitor of heparinization for dogs used in cardiovascular research.
abstract: The usefulness of the activated coagulation time test to monitor heparin effect was studied by administering varying intravenous doses of heparin to six mongrel dogs. Using the activated coagulation time test, a dose response relationship and half-life for heparin action were determined in each dog. It was observed that a heparin dose of 200 units/kg provided less than the generally accepted minimal anticoagulant effect of an activated coagulation time of 180 seconds, while a dose of 500 units/kg produced adequate anticoagulation. Even then, the half-life of heparin activity was less than 50 minutes. These findings suggest that even when large doses of heparin are utilized to provide adequate initial anticoagulation, the short half-life in dogs makes frequent assessment of the heparin response essential. The activated coagulation time test provided a rapid and simple determination of heparin activity within each individual and was used to insure adequate anticoagulation.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001777:Blood Coagulation / Q000187:drug effects; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000097:blood*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006207:Half-Life; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time / Q000662:veterinary; D014914:Whole Blood Coagulation Time / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin