Citrate is added to banked blood to prevent coagulation. Citrate binds with calcium so the worry is that during massive transfusion hypocalcemia may result which can prevent clotting (calcium is important in the clotting cascade). This may worsen any active bleeds by allowing the leak to continue.
very clear and informative, thanks!
What did you say about calcium?
Citrate is added to banked blood to prevent coagulation. Citrate binds with calcium so the worry is that during massive transfusion hypocalcemia may result which can prevent clotting (calcium is important in the clotting cascade). This may worsen any active bleeds by allowing the leak to continue.