LOrsin-specific Coagulant Lithium Heparin For Various Tests Stable Sample Collection

ithium Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant primarily employed for the in vitro processing of blood samples to prevent coagulation. Its core component is Heparin, with lithium ions (Li⁺) serving as the bound cationic form.

Below are its primary functions and applications:

Mechanism of Action

1. Anticoagulation:

   • Heparin is a natural polysaccharide that exerts its potent anticoagulant effect mainly by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III (AT III).

   • The heparin-antithrombin III complex rapidly inhibits multiple coagulation factors, especially thrombin (Factor IIa) and Factor Xa, thereby interrupting the coagulation cascade and preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin (i.e., preventing clot formation).

Main Applications

1. Clinical Laboratory Blood Sample Collection (Most Common Application):

   • Plasma Separation: Lithium Heparin is one of the preferred anticoagulants for preparing plasma samples. Blood is collected into vacuum tubes containing lithium heparin (typically with green or light green caps), thoroughly mixed, and then centrifuged to obtain plasma.

   • Suitable for Various Tests:

     • Clinical Chemistry Tests: This is the primary application for Lithium Heparin. It is particularly suitable when plasma electrolyte tests (especially potassium, sodium) are required because:

       • Sodium Heparin: Introduces exogenous sodium ions (Na⁺), interfering with sodium measurement results (causing pseudoelevation).

       • Lithium Heparin: Lithium ions (Li⁺) are not routinely measured in standard electrolyte panels, so their interference is significantly less than sodium ions, yielding more accurate and reliable results for electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

     • Blood Gas Analysis (for specific instruments/tubes): While balanced lithium heparin is more common, regular lithium heparin tubes are sometimes used for arterial blood collection for blood gas analysis (instrument requirements must be noted).

     • Certain Hormone Assays: Suitable for plasma measurement of various hormones.

     • Ammonia (Blood Ammonia) Measurement: Often the anticoagulant of choice.

     • Lipid Tests: Can be used for lipid tests (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides).

     • Some Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Suitable for plasma concentration measurement of certain drugs.

2. Hematology (Limited Application):

   • Although heparin is an anticoagulant, it is not ideal for Complete Blood Count (CBC) or blood smear preparation because it causes:

     • Altered Leukocyte and Platelet Morphology: Heparin may cause leukocyte clumping and abnormal platelet morphology, interfering with microscopic examination.

     • Staining Artifacts: May cause a blue background in Romanowsky staining.