Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is the typical anticoagulant ratio recommended in autotransfusion systems?

1. 30,000 units of heparin per liter of saline

2. 10,000 units of heparin per liter of saline

3. 20,000 units of heparin per liter of saline

4. No anticoagulant is needed

The correct answer is: 30,000 units of heparin per liter of saline

The recommended anticoagulant ratio in autotransfusion systems is typically around 30,000 units of heparin per liter of saline. This specific concentration is important to prevent the formation of clots during the collection, processing, and reinfusion phases of autotransfusion. Heparin is used because it effectively inhibits the various clotting factors in the blood, thus allowing for a safe and efficient collection of blood to be reinfused into the patient. The use of a higher concentration of heparin ensures that even if the blood remains in the collection system for an extended period, the risk of clot formation is minimized. In the context of other options, while 10,000 and 20,000 units per liter might also be used in certain clinical settings, they may not provide the same level of anticoagulation needed in all cases, which is why they are less commonly recommended. The idea of using no anticoagulant at all is incorrect because it could lead to thrombus development in the system, compromising the effectiveness of the autotransfusion process.