Limitations and Considerations of Using Citrate Plasma in Clinical Chemistry and Immunochemistry Tests

Summary

• Citrate plasma is commonly used in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests in medical laboratories in the United States.
• However, there are several limitations to using citrate plasma, including potential interference with Test Results and the need for careful Sample Handling.
• Despite these limitations, citrate plasma remains a valuable tool in medical laboratories for certain Diagnostic Tests.

Introduction

Citrate plasma is a commonly used specimen type in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests in medical laboratories in the United States. It is often used to measure various analytes, such as coagulation factors, electrolytes, and enzymes. While citrate plasma is a valuable tool for diagnostic testing, there are several limitations to its use that must be considered.

Potential Interference with Test Results

One of the main limitations of using citrate plasma in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests is the potential for interference with Test Results. Citrate is a chelating agent that is added to plasma samples to prevent blood clotting. However, citrate can also bind to certain analytes in the sample, leading to inaccuracies in Test Results.

1. Citrate can bind to calcium ions, which are essential for many enzymatic reactions in the body. In tests that measure calcium levels, the presence of citrate in the plasma sample can lead to falsely low results.
2. In tests that measure other analytes, such as magnesium or zinc, citrate interference can also occur, leading to inaccurate results.
3. Interference from citrate can also affect immunochemistry tests that rely on antigen-antibody interactions. Citrate can bind to proteins in the sample, altering the binding characteristics of antibodies and antigens.

Need for Careful Sample Handling

Another limitation of using citrate plasma in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests is the need for careful Sample Handling. Citrate is sensitive to temperature and pH changes, which can affect the stability of the analytes in the sample. In order to obtain accurate Test Results, laboratory technicians must take precautions to ensure that the citrate plasma samples are properly collected and stored.

1. Citrate plasma samples must be collected using specific tubes that are designed to prevent clotting and preserve the integrity of the sample.
2. The samples must be immediately placed on ice after collection to slow down any enzymatic reactions that could affect Test Results.
3. Citrate plasma samples must be centrifuged within a specific timeframe to separate the plasma from the cellular components of the blood. Failure to do so can lead to contamination of the sample and inaccurate Test Results.

Limitations in Test Selection

Despite the limitations of using citrate plasma in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests, it remains a valuable tool in medical laboratories for certain Diagnostic Tests. However, there are limitations to the types of tests that can be performed using citrate plasma, due to the potential for interference with Test Results.

1. Certain analytes may not be suitable for measurement in citrate plasma samples due to the potential for citrate interference. In these cases, alternative specimen types, such as serum or Heparin plasma, may be preferred.
2. Immunochemistry tests that rely on antigen-antibody interactions may also be affected by citrate interference. In these cases, laboratories may need to use different sample types or assay methods to obtain accurate results.
3. Overall, while citrate plasma is a valuable specimen type for certain Diagnostic Tests, it is important for laboratory technicians to be aware of its limitations and take precautions to ensure accurate results.

In conclusion, citrate plasma is a commonly used specimen type in clinical chemistry and immunochemistry tests in medical laboratories in the United States. However, there are several limitations to its use, including potential interference with Test Results and the need for careful Sample Handling. Despite these limitations, citrate plasma remains a valuable tool for certain Diagnostic Tests and can provide valuable information for patient care.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.

Related Videos