Background Use of the anticoagulant EDTA, in high-concentration liquid
form, in blood collection tubes can lead to cross-contamination of routine
biochemistry specimens. Methods In the present study, tests affected by
EDTA in the sample were potassium, calcium, magnesium, unsaturated iron-binding
capacity, bicarbonate, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate
dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase. The likely
mechanisms are discussed. Conclusions In the interests of best practice,
the identification of subtle contamination of blood specimens for biochemical
analysis requires a sensitive method for measurement of EDTA itself.
