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What is an EDTA Anticoagulant?

Dulce Corazon
Dulce Corazon

Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting. An ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)anticoagulant, therefore, uses this type of acid to stop the clotting process. The EDTA anticoagulant is often used in laboratory diagnostic tests, such as the complete blood count (CBC), because it retains the original shape and size of the cells. This is because the EDTA anticoagulant can bind with the calcium present in blood, thus preventing the start of the coagulation cascade, which is the process by which blood clot formation occurs.

Depending on the type of test to be done, the tube of blood collected for a test, may come with an anticoagulant inside. The tube that comes with an EDTA anticoagulant is commonly seen having a lavender cover or cap. EDTA often is used in the CBC tests for hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and lymphocyte differential count.

A standard amount of EDTA anticoagulant is usually included inside tubes of blood meant for testing.
A standard amount of EDTA anticoagulant is usually included inside tubes of blood meant for testing.

The hematocrit often measures the percentage of RBC present in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein inside the RBC that is capable of carrying and delivering oxygen to different parts of the body. A decreased hematocrit can indicate anemia and dehydration. Hemoglobin is frequently decreased in conditions such as deficiency in iron and Vitamin B 12, bleeding problems, and bone marrow disorders.

EDTA Anticoagulant prevents blood clots from forming.
EDTA Anticoagulant prevents blood clots from forming.

RBC and WBC counts can also help diagnose a variety of health conditions. The platelet count measures the number of platelets, the blood components that can also prevent blood clots from forming. Patients with very low counts may suffer from bleeding tendencies. The lymphocyte differential count usually identify and record the number of types of WBCs present in the blood sample, thus cells should retain their original shapes and structures for an accurate result.

EDTA can be used to obtain a red blood cell count.
EDTA can be used to obtain a red blood cell count.

There is often a standard amount of EDTA anticoagulant incorporated inside tubes of blood meant for testing. The phlebotomist, a trained person who collects blood from the arm, often knows the required amount of blood to be placed inside the tube. If insufficient blood is collected, cells may shrink and undergo some changes, thus making the laboratory test result abnormal and not reliable. Putting more blood than required may also make the results less reliable.

Discussion Comments

StarBanobo

Symptoms of overdose include drops in magnesium, calcium and potassium levels. More severe overdoses can cause heart rhythm problems, since the anticoagulant reduces the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Difficulties with liver and kidney function can also result due to the inhibition of the cleaning properties of these organs. The outward appearances of the patient can include an increase in bruising and bleeding as blood vessel walls lose the ability to carry blood. Medical attention should be given quickly to prevent the further possibility of seizures or death.

Ravellu

What are the symptoms of an EDTA anticoagulant overdose?

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    • A standard amount of EDTA anticoagulant is usually included inside tubes of blood meant for testing.
      By: Alexander Gospodinov
      A standard amount of EDTA anticoagulant is usually included inside tubes of blood meant for testing.
    • EDTA Anticoagulant prevents blood clots from forming.
      By: clearviewstock
      EDTA Anticoagulant prevents blood clots from forming.
    • EDTA can be used to obtain a red blood cell count.
      By: Dmitry Sunagatov
      EDTA can be used to obtain a red blood cell count.
    • Phlebotomists and hematology lab technicians are trained to know how much EDTA anticoagulant is necessary for testing.
      By: spflaum
      Phlebotomists and hematology lab technicians are trained to know how much EDTA anticoagulant is necessary for testing.
    • Drinking plenty of water may help boost circulation and flush out toxins that could cause blood clots.
      By: vgstudio
      Drinking plenty of water may help boost circulation and flush out toxins that could cause blood clots.
    • Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting.
      By: designua
      Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting.
    • Even a mild nosebleed can require medical attention if the sufferer has a platelet disorder that interferes with clotting.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Even a mild nosebleed can require medical attention if the sufferer has a platelet disorder that interferes with clotting.