Best Practices for Using an EDTA Tube

What is the purpose of an EDTA tube?

A. To activate clotting

B. To separate blood components

C. To prevent coagulation

D. To kill microbes

Answer:

The purpose of an EDTA tube is:

C. To prevent coagulation

An EDTA tube, short for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tube, is commonly used in medical settings for blood collection. The main purpose of an EDTA tube is to prevent coagulation or blood clotting by binding to calcium in the blood. This action helps maintain the integrity of blood samples for various laboratory tests.

When using an EDTA tube for blood collection, ensure proper handling and mixing of the sample to evenly distribute the anticoagulant throughout the sample. This will help maintain the quality of the blood sample for accurate test results.

By following best practices for using an EDTA tube, healthcare professionals can ensure reliable and consistent results from laboratory tests that require untreated whole blood samples.