EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) K3 is a common anticoagulant used in blood collection tubes for various laboratory tests. Here are the key details:
- Purpose: EDTA K3 is used to prevent blood from clotting, allowing for the collection of whole blood or plasma for testing.
- Composition: The K3 refers to the potassium salt of EDTA, which acts as an effective anticoagulant by binding calcium ions, essential for the clotting process.
- Color: Tubes containing EDTA typically have a lavender or purple stopper.
- Usage: After blood collection, the tube should be gently inverted several times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant. It’s important to handle the tube carefully to prevent hemolysis.
- Applications: Commonly used for complete blood counts (CBC), blood smears, and various hematological tests, as well as some molecular assays.
- Storage: EDTA tubes can usually be stored at room temperature and should be processed within a specified timeframe for accurate results.
If you need more specific information or have any questions, feel free to ask!
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