The effects of different anticoagulants on routine canine plasma biochemistry

The effects of heparin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium citrate and sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate on plasma biochemistry results in dogs were studied and compared with serum. Blood specimens from 10 apparently clinical healthy dogs were collected and placed in different tubes containing each anticoagulant tested. Differences in albumin, acetylcholinesterase, ionized calcium and potassium were found between serum and heparinized plasma. Most metabolites and enzymes did not show any variation, but significant decreases in electrolytes, alkaline phosphatase, acetylcholinesterase, bile acids, fructosamine and albumin were found when EDTA was used. Sodium citrate produced a 10-15% decrease in most metabolites and enzymes, possibly due to a sample dilution effect. Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate produced haemolysis which may have influenced changes in some biochemical parameters.