Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose A

What is this medication? Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose A, commonly referred to as ACD-A, is a sterile solution used primarily as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting during medical procedures that take place outside the body. It consists of a combination of citric acid, sodium citrate, and dextrose. When added to whole blood, the citrate ions work by binding with calcium ions, which are essential for the blood to form clots. By effectively removing available calcium from the blood stream, the solution ensures that blood remains in a liquid state for processing or storage. This medication is most frequently utilized during automated blood collection processes such as apheresis, where specific components like plasma or platelets are separated from the blood and the remaining portions are returned to the donor. It is also used in the preparation of various blood products and in certain types of renal replacement therapy. The inclusion of dextrose in the formula provides a necessary energy source for the red blood cells, helping to maintain their health while they are being handled. Because it acts specifically on the blood being processed, it is a critical tool for ensuring safe and efficient extracorporeal treatments.