Anticoagulant of Choice for Blood Transfusion in Animals
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Question (English)
Anticoagulant of choice during blood transfusion in animals is:
- Heparin
- Sodium fluoride
- EDTA
- Sodium citrate ✓ Correct
Correct Answer: Sodium citrate
Sodium citrate is the anticoagulant of choice for blood transfusion in animals and also for study of blood coagulation.
Mechanism of Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate works by chelating (binding) calcium ions (Ca²⁺). Since calcium (Factor IV) is essential for both the intrinsic and extrinsic clotting pathways, removing free calcium prevents blood from clotting. This is a reversible process — when transfused blood enters the recipient's body, liver metabolizes citrate and releases calcium, restoring normal clotting.
Summary of All Anticoagulants & Their Uses
- Heparin: Natural/In-vivo anticoagulant; produced by mast cells & basophils; acts by enhancing antithrombin III activity
- Sodium citrate: Blood transfusion & study of blood coagulation — CORRECT answer
- EDTA: Study of blood morphology, RBC index determination & PCV determination
- Sodium fluoride: Glucose estimation (also inhibits glycolysis, preserving glucose level)
Clinical Relevance
In veterinary blood banking, blood collected for transfusion is stored in sodium citrate solutions (e.g., ACD — Acid Citrate Dextrose, or CPD — Citrate Phosphate Dextrose solutions).
📚 About this Topic — Animal Physiology
This multiple choice question is from Animal Physiology, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Physiology to strengthen your preparation.
