Question: 

Anticoagulants interact with plasma components and blood cells thereby influencing hemorheology of the erythrocytes. The present study investigated whether the anticoagulants EDTA, heparine and citrate differentially influence erythrocyte flexibility in venous as well as capillary blood samples.

Methodology: 

Blood sample were taken from young, healthy, male volunteers and anticoagulted using Na-EDTA, Na-Heparin or Na-Citrate (n=7, 25.6±4.1 years, BMI: 22.9±2.3 kg/m²). Erythrocyte flexibility was measured by ektacytometry (laser-assisted optical rotational cell analyzer, LORRCA) at a shear stress range from 0.3–50.0 Pa). Erythrocyte flexibility was evaluated by measuring basal and maximal elongation index (EI) as well as the shear stress needed to achieve a 50% increase in EI.

Results: 

Basal EI as measured at 0.3 Pa was similar in all three groups investigated. Erythrocyte flexibility was significantly decreased in the citrate samples as indicated by a decrease in maximal EI as well as a lower shear stress that is needed to achieve a 50% increase in EI of erythrocytes in citrate blood compared to heparine or EDTA blood. Erythrocyte flexibility was similar in venous and capillary blood samples.

Conclusion: 

Anticoagulants differentially influence erythrocyte flexibility. This may be of special clinical importance for the treatment of cardiovascular patients and may also be taken into account when investigating erythrocyte flexibility. The erythrocyte flexibility characteristic is not dependent on capillary or venous conditions respectively small or big vessel dimensions.