Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose A ACD-A

What is this medication?

Anticoagulant Citrate Dextrose A, often referred to as ACD-A, is a medical solution designed to prevent blood from clotting while it is outside the human body. This sterile solution works through the action of citrate, which binds to the calcium in the blood. Since calcium is a necessary component for the blood to form clots, removing its availability keeps the blood in a fluid state. This allows medical teams to process, separate, or store blood without the risk of it solidifying in tubes or collection bags.

The primary use for ACD-A is during procedures such as apheresis, where blood is drawn from a donor or patient and passed through a machine to separate specific parts like platelets or plasma. It is also utilized in extracorporeal circulation and for the preservation of whole blood during collection. The inclusion of dextrose in the formula provides a nutrient source for red blood cells, ensuring they remain healthy and functional during the time they are handled. This medication is strictly for use with medical devices and is administered by trained healthcare providers.