The effect of epsilon-aminocaproic acid on HemoSTATUS® and kaolin- activated clotting time measurements

New point-of-care assays have been used to identify patients with heparin resistance (i.e. heparin dose response test; Medtronic Blood Management, Parker, CO) and who have platelet dysfunction (i.e. HemoSTATUS®; Medtronic Blood Management). We examined the effect of epsilon-aminocaproic acid on results from these two point-of-care tests in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Twenty patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgical procedures were enrolled in this prospective study. HemoSTATUS® 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 IV administration of epsilon- aminocaproic 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 concentrations (4 ± 1 U/mL) obtained before the administration of epsilon- aminocaproic acid were similar to slope values (88 ± 21 s · U^-1 · mL^{- 1}) and projected heparin concentrations (4 ± 1 U/mL) values obtained after administration of this agent. Our data indicate that HemoSTATUS® clot ratio values and heparin dose response values are not significantly affected after IV dosing of epsilon-aminocaproic acid.