Which anticoagulant is most commonly used for rapid blood collection and tests?

The most commonly used anticoagulant for rapid blood collection and tests is EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). EDTA is favored in laboratory settings, especially for hematology assays, because it effectively binds calcium ions, which are essential for the coagulation process. By chelating calcium, EDTA stops the clotting cascade, allowing for the preservation of cellular components in the sample for accurate analysis.

EDTA is particularly well-suited for complete blood counts (CBC) and other hematological studies because it preserves the morphology of blood cells, making it ideal for microscopic evaluation. Additionally, samples collected with EDTA can be processed relatively quickly, facilitating the rapid turnaround needed for many laboratory tests.

Other anticoagulants like sodium citrate and heparin have specific uses but may not be as versatile for routine blood sampling in hematology. Sodium citrate is often used for coagulation tests and requires a specific ratio to blood volume, which can complicate rapid testing. Heparin is typically used for tests that might require plasma samples, such as certain biochemical assays. Warfarin, on the other hand, is an oral anticoagulant used primarily for long-term anticoagulation in patients and is not suitable for laboratory testing due