Disposable Vacuum Blood Collection Tube (Heparin Tube)

• Available in lithium heparin and sodium heparin.

• The anticoagulant heparin activates antithrombin, which blocks the clotting cascade and thus produces a whole blood/plasma sample.

• Lithium heparin has no interference with all ion detection during testing, including sodium.

• Immediately after draw, gently invert the tube 8-10 times in order to activate adequate anticoagulant.

• Centrifugation: ≤ 1300 g (RCF) for 10 minutes at 18-25°C.

• Plasma Chemistry Tests: Heparin prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin

• Emergency & Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): STAT chemistry panels (fast results for critical care), or Glucose testing (if processed immediately, unlike gray-top NaF tubes).

• Hematology: Toxicology/drug level monitoring

• Flow cytometry (cell surface marker analysis).

Q1. What is the Difference Between EDTA and Heparin?

A: EDTA removes calcium, which is required by most coagulation factors. Heparin activates antithrombin, inhibiting thrombin and thereby inhibiting coagulation. Heparin is utilized in clinical chemistry testing for things like cholesterol, CRP, hormones, and so on. It interferes with PCR, therefore use EDTA if you want to perform that.

Q2. Why is Heparin the Best Anticoagulant?

A: Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant molecule in the body that prevents blood clot formation (thrombosis). Heparin is manufactured commercially from animal mucous tissue such as ox lungs and pig intestines. Anticoagulant activity and therapeutic utility Heparin reduces blood clotting because the structure's unique pentasaccharide sequence binds aggressively to antithrombin III.