Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a chemical used for both industrial and medical purposes.

Other names
Diaminoethane-tetraacetic acid , Edetic acid , Ethylenedinitrilo-tetraacetic acid

Abbreviations: EDTA, H₄EDTA

Chemical formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈

Uses

EDTA is used extensively in the analysis of blood. It is an anticoagulant for blood samples for CBC/FBEs, where the EDTA chelates the calcium present in the blood specimen, arresting the coagulation process and preserving blood cell morphology.

EDTA (seqestrene) anticoagulant

Obtain ready-prepared anticoagulated bottles, or prepare as follows:

• Di-potassium ethylene (diamine-tetra-acetic acid) … 2.5 g
• Distilled water ……………..…………………………….……….. 25 ml

• Weigh the chemical, and transfer it to a small glass bottle.
• Measure 25 ml of water, add to the chemical, and mix to dissolve. Label the bottle.
• For use, pipette 0.04 ml of the reagent into small bottles marked to hold 2.5 ml of blood.
• Place the small bottles without tops, on a warm bench for the anticoagulant to dry.Protect from dust and flies.
• When dry, replace the bottle tops, and store ready for use.