What type of container is used for collecting blood samples for coagulation tests?

Citrate tubes are specifically designed for collecting blood samples for coagulation tests because they contain sodium citrate, an anticoagulant that works by binding calcium ions in the blood. Calcium is essential for the coagulation cascade, so by using citrate, the clotting process is inhibited, allowing for more accurate testing of clotting factors and other related parameters.

This is critical in tests such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which assess different aspects of the coagulation system. The use of citrate ensures that the blood remains in a non-coagulated state until it reaches the laboratory for analysis, which is necessary for obtaining reliable results.

In contrast, other types of tubes serve different purposes in the blood testing process. EDTA tubes are used primarily for hematology tests, as EDTA functions as an anticoagulant for whole blood and prevents coagulation without affecting cellular components. Heparin tubes are employed in tests requiring plasma samples, such as some chemistry tests, as heparin also acts as an anticoagulant but has different applications. Clot activator tubes are used when serum is required, as they promote clotting to separate serum from the cellular components of blood. Each type