Lithium Heparin & Rapid Anticoagulation Capability Most Economical

Lithium Heparin is a salt form of heparin widely used as an in vitro anticoagulant, synthesized by binding heparin with lithium ions. It appears as a white amorphous powder, soluble in water, with an average molecular weight of 15,000 and CAS number 9045-22-1

Key Properties

1. Anticoagulation Mechanism:
   Reversibly binds to Antithrombin III (ATIII), enhancing its inhibition of thrombin and Factor Xa. This increases the thrombin inhibition rate by 2,000-fold, preventing blood clot formation rapidly.

2. Minimal Ionic Interference:
   Superior compatibility with electrolyte tests (e.g., Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺) compared to sodium heparin or EDTA, reducing analytical bias.

3. Stability:
   Stable at room temperature in solid form (shelf life: 3 years), but aqueous solutions require refrigeration (0–4°C) and must be used within 7 days.

Application Scenarios

Lithium heparin is primarily applied in clinical biochemistry and research:

• Emergency Biochemistry Testing: Rapid anticoagulation (immediate gentle inversion 5–8 times post-collection) enables quick processing without clot formation.

• Electrolyte and Metabolite Assays: Ideal for sodium, potassium, creatinine, uric acid, glucose, liver enzymes (ALT/AST), and lipid profiles due to low ion interference.

• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM): Measures drug concentrations (e.g., antibiotics) in heparinized plasma.

• Research: Inhibits IP3-activated calcium channels in cell studies or investigates coagulation pathways.

Operational Notes

• Mixing Protocol: Tubes must be inverted gently post-collection; vigorous shaking causes hemolysis.

• Time Sensitivity: Samples should be tested within 6 hours, as prolonged storage affects enzyme stability (e.g., ALT, GGT).

• Interference Risks: Excess heparin may alter magnesium/phosphate levels; optimal concentration is ≥150 IU/mg.

• The table below compares the primary application scenarios of lithium heparin:

  Application Field	Advantages	Precautions
  Emergency Biochemistry	Rapid anticoagulation, reduces processing time	Gentle mixing (5-8 inversions) required immediately after collection
  Electrolyte Analysis	Minimal interference with Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ measurements	Avoid excess use to prevent Mg²⁺/P interference
  Therapeutic Drug Monitoring	High plasma stability for drug concentration assays	Complete testing within 6 hours of collection
  Research Applications	Reversible ATIII binding for coagulation studies	Aqueous solutions require refrigeration and use within 7 days