Why is EDTA dipotassium not tripotassium used as Anticoagulant for blood collection?

 

In clinical diagnosis and scientific research experiments, the Anticoagulant of blood collection vessel plays a vital role in preventing blood coagulation and maintaining the stability of blood samples. Among them, EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a commonly used Anticoagulant, which can form a stable complex and combine with calcium ion, thus blocking the activation of thrombin. Among the different salt forms of EDTA, EDTA dipotassium and EDTA tripotassium are two common choices. But why do you usually use EDTA dipotassium instead of EDTA tripotassium in Anticoagulant for blood collection? Let's take a look together.

 

1、 Differences in chemical properties

EDTA dipotassium and tripotassium are both white crystalline powders with good water solubility, but they are different in the Molecular formula. The Molecular formula of dipotassium is C10H14K2N2O8, and the Molecular formula of tripotassium is C10H17K3N2O10. It can be clearly seen that tripotassium has one more potassium ion than dipotassium. Their chemical properties are different, and their use must be different.

 

2、 Stability

Both EDTA dipotassium and EDTA tripotassium can form complexes with metal ions such as calcium ions, thereby hindering the activation of coagulation factors. However, the complexing ability of EDTA tripotassium is not an optimal choice compared to potassium diphosphate, and its stability is not very strong. Therefore, during the storage of blood samples, if EDTA tripotassium is used as a Anticoagulant, it may lead to the gradual recovery of some coagulation factors and the coagulation of blood samples.

 

3、 Safety considerations

Although both EDTA dipotassium and EDTA tripotassium can be used in blood collection, EDTA dipotassium is more superior in terms of safety. EDTA tripotassium contains trivalent potassium ions, which are more easily released. Excessive intake may cause physiological dysfunction. In contrast, the divalent potassium ions in EDTA dipotassium are more stable under physiological conditions and have less impact on blood cells.

 

To sum up, the main reason why Anticoagulant for blood collection vessels usually uses EDTA dipotassium instead of EDTA tripotassium is that EDTA dipotassium has strong stability and better safety. As an important biochemical reagent, EDTA dipotassium is also an ideal Anticoagulant recognized by the International Medical Committee. However, it is also important to note that the prerequisite for selecting reagents is to ensure the stability of their quality. It is recommended to choose reliable manufacturers for supply.

 

As an advantageous manufacturer of blood vessel additives, Desheng not only provides high-quality EDTA potassium powder, but also has a price lower than the market price, which can provide customers with a certain degree of discount, without intermediaries earning price differences, and ensuring customer rights. If you have any interest, please feel free to contact us for purchase!