Effects of contamination of blood specimens with liquid potassium-EDTA anticoagulant.
BACKGROUND
Use of the anticoagulant EDTA, in high-concentration liquid form, in blood collection tubes can lead to cross-contamination of routine biochemistry specimens.


METHODS
In the present study, tests affected by EDTA in the sample were potassium, calcium, magnesium, unsaturated iron-binding capacity, bicarbonate, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase. The likely mechanisms are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the interests of best practice, the identification of subtle contamination of blood specimens for biochemical analysis requires a sensitive method for measurement of EDTA itself.
Davidson
D Fraser
DF
Biochemistry Department, Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarmock, Scotland, UK.
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000681:Amylases / Q000097:blood; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000032:analysis*; D016477:Artifacts; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000592:standards*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000097:blood; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D011786:Quality Control
D000925:Anticoagulants; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins; D004492:Edetic Acid; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D003402:Creatine Kinase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D000681:Amylases; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium