1 While our vacutainers had EDTA heparin is typically used f

1.) While our vacutainers had EDTA, heparin is typically used for drawing blood samples where the blood will be analyzed in subsequent tests. What is heparin (type of molecule;be descriptive)? Why is it important for heparin to be present for our experiments?

2.) Briefly explain the function of the following components of blood:
a. Monocytes
b. Netrophiks
c. B lymphocytes
d. Platelets

3.) What cell type in blood has the longest and the shortest life span? State the name of cell and life span for each.

Solution

1.     Heparin is a member of the glycosaminoglycan family of carbohydrates and consists of a variably sulfated repeating disaccharide unit. The most common disaccharide unit is composed of a 2-O-sulfated iduronic acid and 6-O-sulfated, N-sulfated glucosamine, -L-iduronic acid (2S)- 2-deoxy-2-sulfamido--D-glucopyranosyl (6S). the rare disaccharides containing a 3-O-sulfated glucosamine ( 2-deoxy-2-sulfamido--D-glucopyranosyl (3S,6S)) or a free amine group. The ester and amide sulfate groups are deprotonated under physiological conditions, and attract positively charged counterions to form a heparin salt.

It is a naturally occurring anticoagulant produced by basophils and mast cells. It prevents the formation of clots and extension of existing clots within the blood.  It is also used to create an anti-clotting surface inside various medical devices such as test tubes and renal dialysis machines.

Pharmaceutical-grade heparin is derived from the mucosal tissue of animals such as pigs and cattle. Heparin is also developed synthetically now.

It is the recommended anticoagulant for many determinations which require whole blood or plasma specimens because of its minimal chelating properties, minimal effects on water shifts, and relatively low cation concentration.

Heparin is important to be present in such experiments as it forms a complex with antithrombin III which prevents the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen by acceleration of the inhibition of thrombin and activated Factor X to prevent clotting or activation of thrombin. Heparin is used in a blood collection device for the determination of pH, electrolytes, blood gases and ionized calcium.