Why are anticoagulants added to donated blood?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Blood transfusion — blood transfusion Depiction of a direct blood transfusion performed in 1882.

Anticoagulants are added to donated blood during the collection process to prevent the blood from clotting. When blood is drawn into specialized collection bags, these substances—such as sodium citrate—ensure the blood remains in a fluid state, which is essential for its successful storage and subsequent use in medical procedures. By inhibiting the coagulation process, anticoagulants allow blood to be safely processed, tested, and stored for future transfusion to patients in need.123