Which anticoagulant is preferred in clinical chemistry for most tests?

In clinical chemistry, heparin is preferred as an anticoagulant for most tests because it acts quickly and does not interfere with many biochemical assays. Heparin is a naturally occurring anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots by inhibiting thrombin, which is essential for clot formation. This anti-clotting mechanism allows blood samples to be processed quickly, providing timely results for various tests.

Additionally, heparin does not significantly affect many analytes when testing for electrolytes, enzymes, and other substances, making it a suitable choice in a clinical chemistry setting. Its usage is particularly advantageous when rapid processing of samples is necessary, as it allows for better turnaround times in the laboratory.

Other anticoagulants listed have their specific uses but may not be as universally applicable. For example, EDTA is commonly used for hematology tests rather than clinical chemistry, while sodium citrate is primarily for coagulation studies. Acid citrate dextrose, on the other hand, is typically used for blood banking and certain special tests. Thus, heparin stands out as the most versatile choice in this context.