citrated

Citrated describes a substance that contains citrate or has had citrate added. Citrate refers to a salt or ester of citric acid and is used for its buffering and chelating properties. Common citrate salts include sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and calcium citrate, which can act as anticoagulants or stabilizers in solutions.

In medical and laboratory contexts, citrated products are widely used to prevent coagulation. Citrate binds calcium ions, a necessary cofactor in the blood coagulation cascade, thereby inhibiting clot formation. This mechanism underpins the use of citrate-based anticoagulants in blood collection and storage, as well as in the processing of plasma and platelets. Formulations include acid citrate dextrose (ACD), citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD), and citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA-1). Citrated plasma or platelets are prepared by treating them with citrate-containing solutions to extend shelf life and maintain usability.

In clinical chemistry and diagnostics, citrate is employed to preserve plasma samples for certain tests and to stabilize reagents in some assays. Citrate is also used as a buffering and stabilizing agent in various pharmaceutical and food-grade preparations.

Safety and considerations: When citrate is introduced into the body, it chelates calcium and can affect calcium homeostasis. The rate of citrate clearance depends on liver and kidney function; excessive citrate exposure can lead to hypocalcemia or citrate toxicity, particularly with rapid transfusion or in patients with hepatic impairment.