Assessment of the effect of dilution of blood samples with sodium heparin on blood gas, electrolyte, and lactate measurements in dogs

Abstract

These findings in dogs indicate that dilution of blood samples with heparin can be a source of preanalytical error in blood gas, electrolyte, and lactate measurements. Limiting dilution of blood samples with heparin to < 4% by volume via an evacuation technique of syringe heparinization is recommended.