The effects of heparin anticoagulants and fill volume in blood gas syringes on ionized calcium and magnesium measurements.

Author(s): Toffaletti JG, Wildermann RF

Publication: Clin Chim Acta, 2001, Vol. 304, Page 147-51

PubMed ID: 11165211 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of fill volume and heparin formulation on calcium and magnesium levels in serum and plasma from healthy donors. Blood was collected and immediately transferred to evacuated blood collection tubes or syringes containing anticoagulant. Initial calcium and magnesium levels were lowered or raised in select specimens to broaden the concentration range.

   Summary of Findings:

   Compared to tubes without anticoagulant, serum and plasma specimens in syringes containing heparin in an inert web or as a blend of lithium and zinc heparin had lower calcium levels, particularly when the syringe was filled only halfway. No difference in calcium levels was found in blood from syringes containing electrolyte balanced heparin at 27 IU/mL or 40 IU/mL. When fill volume was halved, magnesium levels were lower in syringes containing electrolyte balanced heparin and higher in syringes with heparin in an inert web or in SST compared to blood without anticoagulant. Specimens in completely filled syringes and those containing lithium and zinc heparin had magnesium levels similar to specimens collected without anticoagulant.

   Biospecimens

   • Bodily Fluid - Blood
   • Bodily Fluid - Serum
   • Bodily Fluid - Plasma

   Preservative Types

   • None (Fresh)

   Diagnoses:

   • Normal

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   Electrolyte/Metal	Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Aliquot size/volume	Half-full Full
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Blood and blood products	Plasma Serum Whole blood
   Preaquisition	Biomarker level	0.94-2.09 mmol/L calcium 0.41-1.06 mmol/L magnesium
   Biospecimen Aliquots and Components	Biospecimen components	40 IU/mL electrolyte balanced heparin 27 IU/mL electrolyte balanced heparin
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Anticoagulant	Heparin Lithium heparin None Electrolyte balanced heparin Zinc heparin
   Biospecimen Acquisition	Type of collection container/solution	Serum separator tube(SST) Plain tube Radiometer PICO syringe AVL COMBI syringe Marquest GasLyte syringe Martell Pulset syringe

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