LEVELS OF CALCIUM, SODIUM AND POTASSIUM IN PLASMA AS INFLUENCED BY ANTICOAGULANTS

Abstract

Influence of anticoagulants in the levels of major electrolytes like calcium, sodium and potassium in plasma was studied and compared with their levels in serum. Forty two blood samples were collected from seven species namely human, elephant, cattle, sheep, goat, dog and rabbit. Heparin and Potassium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (EDTA) were used as anticoagulants. It was found that the levels of these minerals in the blood plasma got altered significantly by the addition of heparin and EDTA. However, less interference was rendered by heparin than EDTA, on comparison with the serum values.

Keywords

• edta
• heparin
• serum electrolytes
• plasma electrolytes