Anticoagulants Overview and Usage

What is the primary function of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant?

What common anticoagulant is especially effective in preserving glucose levels in blood samples?

Which anticoagulant increases the activity of antithrombin?

How much heparin should be used per ml of blood sample?

What is the role of sodium or potassium oxalate in blood sample processing?

Which of the following is true regarding sodium fluoride as an anticoagulant?

Anticoagulants Overview

Anticoagulants are essential for preventing blood coagulation during sample collection.
Whole blood or plasma samples require anticoagulants for accurate investigation.

Common Anticoagulants

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
- Used at a concentration of 2 mg/dl of blood volume.
- Works by chelating calcium ions, preventing coagulation.
- Primarily utilized in hematological studies.
Heparin
- Naturally occurring in blood, acts as an ideal anticoagulant.
- Inhibits the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.
- Enhances the activity of antithrombin.
- Recommended dosage is 0.2 ml of heparin per ml of blood sample.
Sodium Fluoride
- Important for glucose estimation in blood samples.
- Inhibits glycolysis by obstructing the enolase enzyme.
- Helps in preserving blood glucose levels.
- Often combined with potassium oxalate due to its weaker anticoagulant properties.
Sodium or Potassium Oxalate
- Precipitates calcium ions to prevent blood coagulation.
- Potassium oxalate has higher solubility in water.
- Used at concentrations of 5–10 mg per 5 ml of blood.

This quiz covers the essential anticoagulants used in blood sample collection and their specific applications. Explore the functions of EDTA, Heparin, Sodium Fluoride, and Oxalate in preventing coagulation and their roles in accurate medical investigations. Test your knowledge on their concentrations and mechanisms of action.