ABG syringes are usually pretreated with EDTA to prevent clotting.

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Multiple Choice

ABG syringes are usually pretreated with EDTA to prevent clotting.

For arterial blood gas testing, the anticoagulant in the syringe must prevent clotting without altering the blood gas measurements. ABG samples are typically collected in syringes pretreated with heparin (usually lithium heparin), which stops clotting while having minimal effect on pH, PCO2, and PO2. EDTA, on the other hand, is a calcium-chelating anticoagulant used for hematology tests like CBCs; it can alter ion balance and pH and therefore interfere with accurate gas analysis. Because EDTA would compromise the accuracy of blood gas results, ABG syringes are not pretreated with EDTA.

For arterial blood gas testing, the anticoagulant in the syringe must prevent clotting without altering the blood gas measurements. ABG samples are typically collected in syringes pretreated with heparin (usually lithium heparin), which stops clotting while having minimal effect on pH, PCO2, and PO2. EDTA, on the other hand, is a calcium-chelating anticoagulant used for hematology tests like CBCs; it can alter ion balance and pH and therefore interfere with accurate gas analysis. Because EDTA would compromise the accuracy of blood gas results, ABG syringes are not pretreated with EDTA.

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