What type of heparin is preferred when studying glucose levels?

Lithium Heparin is preferred when studying glucose levels because it is an anticoagulant that does not interfere with glucose measurement. Heparin works by inhibiting the clotting process, allowing for effective plasma separation from cells without significantly affecting the glucose levels in the sample.

When glucose levels are being analyzed, it's crucial to avoid any substances that could cause inaccuracies. Lithium, specifically, does not have a comparably adverse impact on enzymatic activities related to glucose metabolism, making it a suitable choice. Moreover, the use of heparin ensures that the plasma remains stable for analysis, which is essential for obtaining accurate results.

In contrast, other anticoagulants like EDTA might bind to calcium, leading to shifts in glucose metabolism and potentially skewing results. Acid Citrate Dextrose and Calcium Citrate have similar issues, as they can also affect the behavior of glucose during testing. Therefore, Lithium Heparin stands out as the best choice for accurate glucose level determination in laboratory settings.