What is Sodium Polyatholesulfonate (SPS) commonly used for?

Sodium Polyatholesulfonate (SPS) is an anticoagulant commonly used in blood culture collection. Its primary purpose is to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi that could potentially interfere with test results while allowing for the growth of pathogenic organisms. This property makes it particularly useful in the context of blood cultures, where the goal is to detect any microbial infections present in the bloodstream. Additionally, SPS is sometimes used in bone marrow culture collection, as it helps to preserve the sample and prevent coagulation. By using SPS, technicians can ensure more accurate results when analyzing blood and bone marrow samples for the presence of infectious agents.

In contrast, the other options offered do not align with the primary application of SPS. For coagulation studies, specific anticoagulants such as citrate are typically utilized instead. In hematology testing, different anticoagulants may be preferred depending on the tests being performed, and plasma preparation usually requires anticoagulants like EDTA or heparin rather than SPS. Therefore, the association of SPS with blood and bone marrow culture collection stands out as the most fitting and accurate use of this compound.