Reasons for the widespread application of EDTA salts in blood collection

 

EDTA salt, also known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in Chinese, is an organic compound that forms a white powder at room temperature and pressure. It can combine with divalent metal ions such as Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, and generate stable chelates. Due to its unique properties, it has been widely used in various fields. In the medical field, it is mainly used to prepare anticoagulants, and its application in blood collection is particularly widespread.

 

Anticoagulant principle

The principle of anticoagulation is to chelate with calcium ions in the blood that affect the formation of thrombin, thereby preventing blood coagulation. Due to the stronger binding ability of EDTA salts to calcium ions than that of thrombin to calcium ions, the addition of EDTA can block the formation of thrombin and prevent blood from clotting.

 

Impact on red blood cells

EDTA salts have little effect on the morphology of red blood cells and can maintain their integrity. This is because it interacts with the negative charge on the surface of red blood cells, causing them to disperse and not easily aggregate. In addition, it can also inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent thrombosis.

 

Application advantages in blood collection

(1) Good anticoagulant effect: strong binding ability with calcium ions, good anticoagulant effect, and can effectively prevent blood coagulation.

(2) Small impact on red blood cells: it has a small impact on the morphology of red blood cells, can maintain the integrity of red blood cells, and is convenient for various blood tests.

(3) Inhibiting platelet aggregation: It can inhibit platelet aggregation, prevent thrombosis, and ensure the accuracy of blood testing.

(4) Good stability: The chelate formed with metal ions has good stability and is not easily affected by factors such as temperature and pH value.

 

Application scope in blood collection

Mainly used for blood routine testing, blood coagulation testing, biochemical testing, and other aspects. EDTA salt anticoagulants can bind with calcium ions in the blood to form chelates, thereby preventing blood coagulation. Different types of anticoagulants (such as EDTA-K2, EDTA-K3, EDTA-Na2, etc.) can bind to different metal ions and are suitable for different detection projects. For example, EDTA-K2 is mainly used for blood routine testing, while EDTA-Na2 is mainly used for blood coagulation testing.

 

In summary, EDTA salts are widely used in blood collection due to their unique properties. Its good anticoagulant effect, minimal impact on red blood cells, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and good stability make it an ideal choice for preparing anticoagulants. With the continuous development of science and technology, the application of EDTA salt in blood collection will continue to expand.