Acid citrate dextrose

Acid citrate dextrose (ACD) is a solution used in the medical field, particularly in the collection and storage of blood specimens. It is an anticoagulant that works by chelating the calcium in blood to prevent clotting.

Composition

ACD is composed of three main components: citric acid, sodium citrate, and dextrose. Citric acid acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions in blood, thereby inhibiting the coagulation cascade. Sodium citrate is a buffering agent that helps maintain the pH of the solution. Dextrose provides energy for the red blood cells and helps maintain cell viability during storage.

Uses

ACD is commonly used in blood banks and laboratories for the collection and preservation of blood. It is also used in apheresis, where it prevents clotting during the procedure. In addition, ACD is used in some types of cell therapy, where it helps maintain the viability of the cells during processing and storage.

Types

There are three types of ACD solutions: ACD-A, ACD-B, and ACD-C. The difference between these solutions lies in their respective concentrations of citric acid, sodium citrate, and dextrose. ACD-A has the highest concentration of citric acid, while ACD-B has the highest concentration of dextrose. ACD-C is a balanced solution with equal concentrations of all three components.

Safety

While ACD is generally safe for use in blood collection and storage, it can cause side effects in some individuals. These can include reactions at the site of injection, such as redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, systemic reactions can occur, including allergic reactions and changes in blood chemistry.

See also

• Anticoagulant
• Blood bank
• Apheresis
• Cell therapy