In medical and biochemical experiments, anticoagulants are often used to prevent blood from clotting during collection and processing. The two commonly used anticoagulants are EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and heparin lithium. Although they are all used to prevent coagulation, there are significant differences in their mechanisms of action, applicable scenarios, and methods of use. Let's take a look together.
1、 Different chemical structures
EDTA: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is an organic molecule that typically exists in the form of a salt, such as EDTA dipotassium salt or tripotassium salt, usually prepared manually.
Heparin lithium: Heparin lithium is a polysaccharide compound with a complex chemical structure, usually extracted from animal mucosa (such as pig intestinal mucosa).
2、 Different mechanisms of action
EDTA: EDTA is a chelating agent that works by binding to metal ions in the blood to prevent the activation of coagulation factors. It can also effectively reduce the concentration of calcium ions, thereby inhibiting the activity of thrombin.
Heparin lithium: Its main mechanism of action is its binding with antithrombin III (AT - III). It enhances the activity of AT - III, inhibits the formation of prothrombin kinase, and further prevents blood clotting by interfering with the activity of thrombin.
3、 Different application scenarios
EDTA: EDTA is usually used in routine hematological examinations, especially in whole blood samples to prevent blood from clotting during collection and storage. It is suitable for blood routine and CRP examinations and plays an important role in cell counting and classification. It can maintain the morphology and structure of cells in the blood, allowing for accurate counting and analysis.
Heparin lithium: Heparin lithium is mainly used for clinical plasma analysis and is suitable for the determination of serum protein, liver and kidney function, etc. It is not suitable for blood routine tests, coagulation function, etc. In addition, heparin lithium is an ideal reagent for rapid separation of plasma and biochemical analysis.
4、 Different doses used
EDTA: The original state of EDTA potassium salt is powder, usually prepared as a solution and added to a test tube. The standard recommended dosage is 1.5-2.2mg EDTA per milliliter of blood, and if peripheral blood is collected, it is 18mg anticoagulant 1 milliliter of blood.
Heparin lithium: The dosage of heparin lithium solution added to the test tube is different from EDTA. Generally, the recommended standard in the industry is between 9.4IU-28IU per milliliter of blood, and peripheral blood anticoagulation is less than 14IU per milliliter of blood.
EDTA and heparin lithium are both important anticoagulants, but their chemical structure, mechanism of action, applicable scenarios, and dosage are different. Everyone should pay attention to distinguishing when using them. As a professional supplier of blood collection additives, Desheng can provide a full range of reagent raw materials, all of which are analytical grade. Customers have multiple choices and can prepare according to their needs, with flexible adjustments. If you have any related needs, please feel free to contact us at any time!
