Anti Coagulants

Anticoagulants help prevent blood clotting. The blood begins to clot within a short time after leaving the body. Certain tests cannot be performed with clotted blood. In this case, several chemicals in the blood are used as anticoagulants. Their description is as follows:

Anti Coagulants: EDTA (Ethylenediamine Tetra Acetic Acid)

It is the most commonly used anticoagulant. EDTA binds to the calcium present in the blood and thus the clotting ability of the blood is lost due to the absence of free calcium in the blood.

Anti Coagulants, EDTA is used in the following tests:

• Complete Blood Count.
• ESR.
• PCV Estimation.

Oxalate Tubes:

Potassium oxalate salt is placed inside the tube for taking blood samples and this also prevents blood from clotting.

This tube can be used in the following:

• Hematocrit.
• ESR.

Trisodium Citrate:

Trisodium Citrate can be used in the following:

• Coagulation Tests.
• ESR.

Heparin:

Heparin is very effective in preventing blood clotting.

ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose):

Acid Citrate Dextrose is Used in blood banks and transfusions. 

Vitamin K Antagonists (VKAs)

• Example: Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Mechanism: Inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X).
• Use: Commonly used for conditions like atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• Monitoring: Requires regular blood tests (INR – International Normalized Ratio) to monitor the effect.