The effects of bicarbonate on blood coagulation

D. W. Wong, F. S. Mishkin and T. T. Tanaka

The anticoagulant effects of sodium and potassium bicarbonate were investigated with use of fresh human whole blood obtained from normal healthy volunteers. Results from prothrombin and thrombin clotting time determinations demonstrated that bicarbonate can interfere with the clotting process. Clinical data obtained from patients who received intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate supported these findings.