The effects of liquid heparin on the analysis of acid/base status of arterial blood include a reduction in Pco2and an increase in Po2. A study was performed to compare a lyophilised heparin syringe with a liquid heparin glass syringe for collection of blood for acid/base analysis. No significant difference between the variables measured in blood taken in the two syringes was demonstrated.
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HamiltonR.D., CrockettA.J., AlpersJ.H.Arterial blood gas analysis: potential errors due to the addition of heparin. Anaesth Intens Care1978; 6: 251–255.
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