Which additive is commonly used for CBC testing?

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Multiple Choice

Which additive is commonly used for CBC testing?

CBC testing relies on an additive that both prevents blood from clotting and preserves the appearance of blood cells for accurate counting. EDTA does this effectively by binding calcium, which stops clotting, while keeping red cells, white cells, and platelets intact for morphology and reliable counts. The lavender-top tube contains EDTA, which is why this additive is commonly used for CBC work. Other additives serve different purposes: citrate in light blue is used for coagulation studies and can affect cell counts; heparin in green is used for some chemistry tests and can alter cell measurements; fluoride-oxalate in gray is used to preserve glucose by inhibiting glycolysis, not for CBC analysis.

CBC testing relies on an additive that both prevents blood from clotting and preserves the appearance of blood cells for accurate counting. EDTA does this effectively by binding calcium, which stops clotting, while keeping red cells, white cells, and platelets intact for morphology and reliable counts. The lavender-top tube contains EDTA, which is why this additive is commonly used for CBC work.

Other additives serve different purposes: citrate in light blue is used for coagulation studies and can affect cell counts; heparin in green is used for some chemistry tests and can alter cell measurements; fluoride-oxalate in gray is used to preserve glucose by inhibiting glycolysis, not for CBC analysis.

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