The key difference between EDTA and sodium citrate is that EDTA is useful for hematologic tests because it preserves blood cells better than other similar agents, whereas sodium citrate is useful as a coagulation test agent since factors V and VIII are more stable in this substance.
When it comes to anticoagulation, both sodium citrate and EDTA are important agents. But they mostly behave similarly. These substances can bind free plasma calcium, preventing blood clotting. Therefore, according to some research, we can use EDTA to replace sodium citrate. In the key difference stated above, the factors V and VIII are mutations of clotting factors in the blood. These mutations can cause clotting of blood abnormally. Therefore, research including these factors is very important.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is EDTA
3. What is Sodium Citrate
4. EDTA vs Sodium Citrate in Tabular Form
5. Summary – EDTA vs Sodium Citrate
What is EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)?
EDTA or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is an aminopolycarboxylic acid having the chemical formula [CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2. It appears as a white, water-soluble solid that is used widely in binding to iron and calcium ions. This substance can bind with those ions at six points, which leads it to be known as a size-toothed (hexadentate) chelating agent. There can be different forms of EDTA, most commonly disodium EDTA.
Figure 01: The Chemical Structure of EDTA
Industrially, EDTA is useful as a sequestering agent to sequester metal ions in aqueous solutions. Moreover, it can prevent metal ion impurities from modifying the colors of dyes in the textile industry. In addition, it is useful in the separation of lanthanide metals by ion-exchange chromatography. In the field of medicine, EDTA can be used for treating mercury and lead poisoning because of its ability to bind metal ions and help in separating them. Similarly, it is important extensively in the analysis of blood. EDTA can also be used as an ingredient in personal care products such as shampoo, cleaners, etc., as a sequestering agent.
What is Sodium Citrate?
Sodium citrate is an inorganic compound having sodium cations and citrate anions in different ratios. There are three major types of sodium citrate molecules: monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate molecule. Collectively, these three salts are known by the E number 331. However, the most common form is trisodium citrate salt.
Figure 02: Trisodium Citrate in a Bottle
Trisodium citrate has the chemical formula Na3C6H5O7. Most of the time, this compound is commonly called sodium citrate because it is the most abundant form of sodium citrate salt. This substance has a saline-like, mildly tart flavor. Furthermore, this compound is mildly basic, and we can use it to make buffer solutions along with citric acid. This substance appears as a white crystalline powder. Chiefly, sodium citrate is used in the food industry as a food additive, as a flavoring or as a preservative.
What is the Difference Between EDTA and Sodium Citrate?
EDTA or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is an aminopolycarboxylic acid having the chemical formula [CH2N(CH2CO2H)2]2. Sodium citrate is an inorganic compound having sodium cations and citrate anions in different ratios. The key difference between EDTA and sodium citrate is that EDTA is useful for the hematologic test because it preserves blood cells better than other similar agents, whereas sodium citrate is useful as a coagulation test agent because factors V and VIII are more stable in this substance.
The below infographic presents the differences between EDTA and sodium citrate in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – EDTA vs Sodium Citrate
EDTA and sodium citrate are important agents in the anticoagulation of blood. The key difference between EDTA and sodium citrate is that EDTA is useful for the hematologic test because it preserves blood cells better than other similar agents, whereas sodium citrate is useful as a coagulation test agent because factors V and VIII are more stable in this substance.
Reference:
1. “Sodium Citrate.” Pubchem.
Image Courtesy:
1. “EDTA” By NEUROtiker (talk) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Trisodium Citrate.. ” By Mosscatski – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia