Dose calcium balanced heparin affect blood gas and electrolyte analysis?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

In Vitro Thrombosis Test for Ventricular Assist Devices
Published on: March 21, 2025
The effect of calcium-balanced heparin (471896, CIBA CORNING) on blood gas and electrolyte analysis was evaluated, by comparing with that of sodium heparin (Na heparin). One ml of whole blood was collected into a syringe, which contained calcium-balance heparin (Ca balanced heparin) or Na heparin. 122 pairs of blood samples obtained from 15 patients were analyzed for Na, K, ionized calcium (Ca(++)), total hemoglobin, pH, P(CO)(2), and P(O)(2) by an automatic blood gas and electrolyte analyzer, CIBA CORNING model 288. There was a significant difference ( P << 0.05) in pH, P(CO)(2), Na, and Ca(++) between the two different groups. Ca(++) concentration was significantly less in Na heparin group than in Ca balanced heparin group, probably due to more chelation of Ca(++) by Na heparin than Ca balanced heparin. The present study suggests that the Ca balanced heparin has minimal effect on the blood gas and electrolyte analysis, and is a suitable anticoagulant for the Ca(++) measurement.
The effect of calcium-balanced heparin (471896, CIBA CORNING) on blood gas and electrolyte analysis was evaluated, by comparing with that of sodium heparin (Na heparin). One ml of whole blood was collected into a syringe, which contained calcium-balance heparin (Ca balanced heparin) or Na heparin. 122 pairs of blood samples obtained from 15 patients were analyzed for Na, K, ionized calcium (Ca(++)), total hemoglobin, pH, P(CO)(2), and P(O)(2) by an automatic blood gas and electrolyte analyzer, CIBA CORNING model 288. There was a significant difference ( P << 0.05) in pH, P(CO)(2), Na, and Ca(++) between the two different groups. Ca(++) concentration was significantly less in Na heparin group than in Ca balanced heparin group, probably due to more chelation of Ca(++) by Na heparin than Ca balanced heparin. The present study suggests that the Ca balanced heparin has minimal effect on the blood gas and electrolyte analysis, and is a suitable anticoagulant for the Ca(++) measurement.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Complexometric EDTA Titration Curves
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
Roles of Electrolytes: Chloride and Bicarbonate
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or...

