Anticoagulants Used in Phlebotomy in the United States: Heparin, EDTA, and More
Summary
- Heparin and EDTA are two common anticoagulants used in phlebotomy in the United States.
- Heparin prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the activity of thrombin and is usually used for plasma tests.
- EDTA binds to calcium ions and is used for whole blood tests like CBC and blood morphology.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves drawing blood from patients for various Diagnostic Tests. To ensure the accuracy of these tests, different anticoagulants are used to prevent blood clotting. In the United States, there are several common anticoagulants used in phlebotomy, each serving a specific purpose.
Common Anticoagulants Used in Phlebotomy
Heparin
Heparin is a widely used Anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting process. It prevents the transformation of fibrinogen into fibrin, which is essential for clot formation. Heparin is typically used in plasma tests where the goal is to obtain clear, plasma-rich samples without any clotting.
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
EDTA is another common Anticoagulant used in phlebotomy. It works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are essential for the coagulation cascade. By chelating calcium, EDTA prevents blood from clotting and is particularly useful for tests that require whole blood samples, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood morphology tests.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate is another Anticoagulant commonly used in phlebotomy. It works by binding to calcium ions and is often used in coagulation tests to prevent blood from clotting. Sodium Citrate is also used to prepare platelet-poor plasma for specific tests.
Potassium Oxalate
Potassium Oxalate is an Anticoagulant that works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, similar to EDTA. It is commonly used in glucose tolerance tests to prevent blood clotting and ensure accurate results.
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium Fluoride is often used in combination with Potassium Oxalate in glucose tolerance tests. While Potassium Oxalate serves as an anticoagulant, Sodium Fluoride acts as a preservative to prevent glycolysis, the breakdown of glucose in the blood. By preserving glucose levels, Sodium Fluoride ensures accurate results in glucose tolerance tests.
Conclusion
Anticoagulants play a crucial role in phlebotomy by preventing blood clotting and ensuring the accuracy of Diagnostic Tests. In the United States, healthcare professionals utilize a variety of common anticoagulants such as Heparin, EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Oxalate, and Sodium Fluoride for different types of tests. Understanding the properties and uses of these anticoagulants is essential for obtaining reliable Test Results and providing quality patient care.
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