The Importance of Citrate Plasma in Clinical Chemistry and Immunochemistry Testing
Summary
- Citrate plasma is preferred for certain clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing in a medical lab due to its ability to inhibit coagulation and preserve analytes.
- Specimens collected in citrate plasma are ideal for tests that require accurate measurement of analytes such as coagulation factors, d-dimer, and antithrombin.
- Citrate plasma is preferred over other specimen types in situations where coagulation interference needs to be minimized to ensure accurate Test Results.
Introduction
In a medical lab setting, the type of specimen collected for testing plays a crucial role in the accuracy and reliability of the results. Citrate plasma is one of the specimen types commonly used for clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing due to its unique properties. Understanding the specific circumstances in which citrate plasma would be preferred over other specimen types is essential for healthcare professionals working in the field of phlebotomy and laboratory medicine.
What is Citrate Plasma?
Citrate plasma is a type of specimen that is collected by adding an Anticoagulant known as Sodium Citrate to a blood sample. The Sodium Citrate binds to calcium in the blood, preventing the blood from clotting. This Anticoagulant action is essential for certain laboratory tests that require a liquid state of the specimen for accurate measurements.
Properties of Citrate Plasma
Citrate plasma has several properties that make it ideal for certain clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing:
- Anticoagulant Action: The Sodium Citrate in citrate plasma inhibits the coagulation cascade, preventing the blood from clotting during specimen processing.
- Preservation of Analytes: Citrate plasma helps preserve the stability of analytes in the blood sample, ensuring accurate Test Results.
- Uniform Mixing: Citrate plasma allows for uniform mixing of the blood sample with other reagents, ensuring homogeneity and consistency in Test Results.
When is Citrate Plasma Preferred?
Citrate plasma is preferred over other specimen types in specific circumstances where the inhibition of coagulation is critical for accurate Test Results. Some of the situations in which citrate plasma would be the preferred specimen type include:
- Coagulation Testing: Citrate plasma is essential for coagulation tests that measure the clotting ability of blood and assess the levels of coagulation factors such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
- D-Dimer Testing: D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that is elevated in conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism. Citrate plasma is preferred for accurate measurement of d-dimer levels.
- Antithrombin Testing: Antithrombin is a natural Anticoagulant protein that inhibits blood clotting. Citrate plasma is ideal for antithrombin testing to assess the risk of thrombosis.
Minimizing Coagulation Interference
One of the main reasons citrate plasma is preferred over other specimen types for certain tests is to minimize coagulation interference. Coagulation interference can lead to inaccurate Test Results and misdiagnosis of medical conditions. By using citrate plasma, healthcare professionals can ensure that the Test Results are reliable and reflective of the patient's true health status.
Examples of Tests with Coagulation Interference
Tests that are sensitive to coagulation interference include:
- Activated Protein C Resistance (APCR) Testing
- Protein C and Protein S Testing
- Factor V Leiden Testing
Importance of Accurate Test Results
Accurate Test Results are crucial for guiding patient treatment and management decisions. Inaccurate Test Results due to coagulation interference can lead to unnecessary interventions or failure to diagnose a medical condition. By using citrate plasma for specific tests, healthcare professionals can ensure that the Test Results are precise and reliable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, citrate plasma is a preferred specimen type for certain clinical chemistry and immunochemistry testing in a medical lab. Its ability to inhibit coagulation and preserve analytes makes it ideal for tests that require accurate measurement of coagulation factors, d-dimer, and antithrombin. By understanding the specific circumstances in which citrate plasma would be preferred over other specimen types, healthcare professionals can ensure the reliability and accuracy of Test Results in the laboratory setting.
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