ACT testing

I am also very interested in any answers to this question, we are currently using the iSTAT ACT and the HMS Plus for ACT at this time.
 
 I am aware of the Medtronic HMS Plus analyzer which does:

·         ACT

·         High Dose Response (to Heparin) 

·         HPT (Heparin-Protamine Titration) 

 

This analyzer is used in our adult CVOR, in fact it was demanded by the Perfusionist as being a much better system for their needs than the iSTAT.  I must agree with them.  This analyzer is being used as a POC system but is more of a laboratory grade analyzer in its build.  Unfortunately, my Peds CVOR Perfusionists states that its minimum sample requirement of 2.5ml is simply too much for them to use this system on their patients.

We use the Hemochron Signature Elite Jrs for now and are planning to upgrade to the 100s. When we were exploring options, the perfusionists did NOT want the iSTATs. 

We use the Sig Elite also.  When we switched from the Hemochron Responses the Sigs gave the most acceptable correlation that the perfusionist could use.

We use the Hemochron Sig Elites in the cathlab, dialysis and IR.  They give low doses of heparin so we use the ACT LR cuvette.  Our CVOR uses the HMS+ Hepcons because their ACT's are super high and they also run the HDR and HPT cuvettes.

We currently use Hemochron Sig Elites with the ACT LR cuvette and Medtronics.

Jennifer, I am interested to know why you are moving away from iSTAT for ACT.  Our large health system had been Hemochron (SigElite) users for decades and recently made the decision to switch TO iSTAT.  Would be curious to know what your departments find unfavorable about iSTAT ACT.  Thanks in advance!