NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What type of test is heparin commonly used for?

1. Coagulation studies

2. Blood cultures

3. Complete blood counts

4. Electrolytes

The correct answer is: Coagulation studies

Heparin is commonly used for coagulation studies because it is an anticoagulant that prevents the clotting of blood samples during testing. Its primary function is to inhibit specific clotting factors in the blood, thus preventing the formation of clots. This property is essential for accurate results in tests that assess the coagulation pathway, as it allows for the evaluation of how well and quickly blood clots when subjected to certain conditions. Tests like prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are specifically designed to measure the effectiveness of anticoagulants, including heparin, making it crucial for these types of analyses. Other types of tests, such as blood cultures, complete blood counts, and electrolyte panels, do not typically require the use of anticoagulants like heparin. Blood cultures are meant to detect infections and require blood to be in a usable state for microbial growth; complete blood counts analyze cellular components of blood, and electrolyte tests assess the balance of minerals, none of which necessitate heparin for their accuracy.