What is the function of anticoagulants in blood collection?

Anticoagulants play a crucial role in blood collection by preventing blood from clotting, which is essential for accurate laboratory analysis. When blood is drawn for tests, it is vital that the sample remains in a liquid state to allow for the examination of cellular components, proteins, and other substances present in the plasma. If blood were to clot, it could lead to erroneous test results, compromising patient care and the validity of the diagnosis.

Anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, and heparin work by interrupting the clotting cascade, effectively inhibiting the actions of coagulation factors. By doing so, they ensure that the blood sample remains usable for a variety of tests, including complete blood counts, biochemical panels, and coagulation studies, among others.

In contrast, increasing blood viscosity and promoting clot formation would hinder the effectiveness of blood samples for testing, while enhancing iron absorption is unrelated to the function of anticoagulants in the context of blood collection.