Human whole blood collected in sodium heparin is a minimally processed biological matrix containing erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, plasma proteins, metabolites, and soluble mediators. Heparin prevents coagulation primarily by potentiating antithrombin-mediated inhibition of thrombin (factor IIa) and factor Xa, allowing cellular and plasma components to remain available for ex vivo investigation.
Key Features
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Anticoagulated Peripheral Whole Blood : Preserving major circulating blood-cell populations and the plasma compartment.
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Whole-Blood Cellular Analysis : Suitable for whole-blood flow cytometry, leukocyte immunophenotyping, cellular activation studies, and ex vivo immune-response assays.
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Viable Leukocyte Research : Commonly used in experimental protocols requiring viable leukocytes and assessment of immune-cell function.
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Assay-Specific Anticoagulant Selection : Anticoagulant choice can influence cellular phenotypes and functional readouts; therefore, sodium heparin should be validated for the specific assay and experimental conditions.
Usual Research Applications
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Peripheral Blood Immunophenotyping.
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Whole-Blood Flow Cytometry.
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Leukocyte Activation and Cellular Functional Studies.
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Cytokine-Release and Ex Vivo Stimulation Assays.
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Innate Immune-Response Studies.
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Host–Pathogen Interaction Research.
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Ex Vivo Immune-Response Experiments.
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Cell–Plasma Interaction Studies : Studies investigating interactions among circulating immune cells and soluble plasma factors.