What is the preferred anticoagulant for routine coagulation studies?

The preferred anticoagulant for routine coagulation studies is sodium citrate. This choice is prevalent because sodium citrate effectively binds calcium ions in the blood, which is essential for the coagulation cascade. By chelating calcium, it prevents clot formation, allowing for accurate assessment of coagulation factors and various tests such as Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT). The use of sodium citrate is standardized, and its compatibility with most coagulation tests makes it the go-to anticoagulant in laboratory settings.

Additionally, sodium citrate maintains the integrity of various clotting factors for a longer period compared to other anticoagulants, which is crucial for accurate results. Other anticoagulants like heparin and EDTA can interfere with certain coagulation assays, leading to potential inaccuracies.