Combined effect of mercuric ion and silver ion on the clotting time of blood

The mercuric ion (Hg²⁺) has been shown to have a procoagulant effect on citrated whole blood through its excitation of the extrinsic pathway. The silver ion (Ag⁺) affects the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation also producing a shortened clotting time. This in vitro study involved mixing citrated whole blood (CWB) with mercuric nitrate Hg(NO₃)₂, silver nitrate AgNO₃, and the combination of the two. The eight samples were incubated for ten minutes at 37°C and were analyzed by an Amelung KC 4A clot detector. The results show that the combination of Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺ significantly reduces the clotting time (p<.002).