What is the primary function of Sodium Citrate in blood collection?

Sodium citrate plays a crucial role in blood collection, particularly for coagulation studies, by functioning as an anticoagulant. Its primary mechanism is to bind calcium ions in the blood. Calcium is essential for the coagulation cascade; without it, the blood clotting process is interrupted, allowing for accurate assessment of coagulation parameters in laboratory testing.

When blood is collected with sodium citrate, it forms a stable complex by chelating calcium, effectively preventing the blood from clotting. This is fundamental for tests such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the blood's ability to coagulate properly. Accurate results from these tests are critical for diagnosing clotting disorders or monitoring anticoagulant therapies.

Other options provided relate to different aspects of blood handling or laboratory processes. Enhancing cell viability pertains more to culture conditions and media, promoting serum separation typically involves other additives or centrifugation techniques, and inhibiting glycolysis is usually managed with different preservatives, not sodium citrate.