The effect of epsilon-aminocaproic acid on HemoSTATUS (R) and kaolin-activated clotting time measurements

New point-of-care assays have been used to identify patients with heparin r esistance (i.e. heparin dose response test; Medtronic Blood Management, Par ker, CO) and who have platelet dysfunction (i.e. HemoSTATUS(R); Medtronic B lood Management). We examined the effect of epsilon-aminocaproic acid on re sults from these two point-of-care tests in patients undergoing cardiac sur gery. Twenty patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgical procedures we re enrolled in this prospective study. HemoSTATUS(R) clot ratio (% maximal) values in Channels (Ch) 3-6 (Ch 3: 26 +/- 25, Ch 4: 66 +/- 23, Ch 5: 84 +/ - 20, Ch 6: 106 +/- 18) obtained after the TV administration of epsilon-ami nocaproic acid were similar to values obtained before the administration of this agent (Ch 3: 26 +/- 20, Ch 4: 69 +/- 23, Ch 5: 86 +/- 19, Ch 6: 109 /- 14). Slope values (86 +/- 23 s.U-1.mL(-1)) and projected heparin concent rations (4 +/- 1 U/mL) obtained before the administration of epsilon-aminoc aproic acid were similar to slope values (88 +/- 21 s.U-1.mL(-1)) and proje cted heparin concentrations (4 +/- 1 U/mL) values obtained after administra tion of this agent. Our data indicate that HemoSTATUS(R) clot ratio values and heparin dose response values are not significantly affected after TV do sing of epsilon-aminocaproic acid.