OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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The most common anticoagulant in haematology is:

a. Citrate
b. EDTA
c. Heparin
d. Potassium oxalate

The correct answer is: b. EDTA

The most commonly used anticoagulant in hematology is EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). This preference stems from its effectiveness in preventing coagulation by chelating calcium ions, which are essential for the clotting process. EDTA is particularly suitable for performing complete blood counts (CBC) and other hematological analyses because it helps to preserve the morphology of blood cells, ensuring accurate results. Its ability to maintain the integrity of cell shape and prevent platelet aggregation makes it the go-to choice for various hematology tests. Other anticoagulants like citrate and heparin have specific applications but are not favored in routine hematology. Citrate is often used in coagulation studies, while heparin is typically used for specific clinical situations such as blood gas analyses or in patients who require more immediate anticoagulation. Potassium oxalate, on the other hand, is less frequently used due to its potential to precipitate calcium and alter the results of other tests.