NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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What is the purpose of using anticoagulants in blood collection?

To enhance color in blood samples
To prevent clot formation
To increase blood volume
To separate plasma from cells

The correct answer is: To prevent clot formation

The purpose of using anticoagulants in blood collection is to prevent clot formation. When blood is collected, it has a natural tendency to coagulate, or clot, due to the presence of clotting factors and platelets. Anticoagulants are substances added to the blood collection tubes to inhibit these clotting processes. By preventing clot formation, anticoagulants ensure that the blood remains in a liquid state, which is essential for accurate laboratory analysis. This allows for the proper measurement of various blood components, such as cells, electrolytes, and proteins, without interference from clots that could skew the results. In addition to maintaining the integrity of the sample for accurate testing, the use of anticoagulants is crucial for certain tests where precise measurements of cell counts or biochemical indicators are necessary.