Anticoagulant Vail Preparation: EDTA

What happens when too little EDTA is used during blood collection?

What is a consequence of using excess EDTA in blood samples?

Which factor is NOT affected by excess EDTA in a blood sample?

What precaution should be taken during the preparation of anticoagulants?

What is one advantage of using EDTA as an anticoagulant?

What is the primary role of EDTA in laboratory settings?

Which form of EDTA is specifically recommended for use as an anticoagulant?

What is the concentration of EDTA used per ml of blood in the preparation?

How is the EDTA solution prepared before storing it in vails?

What is the total mass of EDTA powder used per vail after preparation?

What role does heating serve during the preparation of the EDTA solution?

At what temperature are the vails containing EDTA solution stored in the hot air oven?

What measurement technique ensures accurate weighing of EDTA powder?

Anticoagulant Vail Preparation (EDTA)

Aim: To prepare EDTA vails for the laboratory to prevent blood clotting.
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent that binds to calcium ions, which are essential for blood clotting.
EDTA is commonly used as an anticoagulant in hematology laboratories, preserving cell morphology.
A 10% w/v EDTA solution is prepared using 10 mg of EDTA powder and 100 ml of distilled water.
40 µl of the EDTA solution is pipetted into each clean vail, containing 4 mg of dry chemical.
The vails with EDTA solution are placed in a hot air oven at 40 degrees Celsius for 3-4 hours to dry, ensuring the EDTA powder remains at the bottom of the vail.
Once dried, the vails are closed with a lid and stored in a safe place with labeling.
Each vail can hold 2.5 ml of blood.

Precautions

Inadequate EDTA: May lead to blood coagulation.
Excessive EDTA: May cause cell shrinkage, morphological changes, and artificially high platelet counts.
Incorrect Order of Draw: Following the correct order of draw for blood collection tubes is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results.

Understanding Anticoagulants

Mechanism of Action: Anticoagulants work by preventing the formation of blood clots by interfering with various clotting factors.
EDTA is a chelating agent that binds calcium ions, essential for blood clotting, preventing clot formation.
Concentration of Anticoagulants: The concentration of EDTA is crucial for its effectiveness. Too little EDTA may not prevent clotting, while too much EDTA may affect blood cell morphology and analysis.
Order of Draw: A specific order of draw is used for venipuncture to minimize the risk of contamination between tubes containing different anticoagulants and additives.

This quiz covers the preparation of EDTA vails used in laboratories to prevent blood clotting. It explains the role of EDTA as a chelating agent, the preparation process, and precautions to take during the procedure. Understanding these concepts is essential for ensuring accurate results in hematology.