How do anticoagulants work in blood collection tubes?

Anticoagulants play a crucial role in blood collection by preventing the coagulation process, which allows for the preservation of liquid plasma for testing. When blood is drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant, the substance interferes with the normal clotting cascade. By inhibiting the activation of platelets and the formation of fibrin, anticoagulants ensure that the blood remains in a fluid state. This is essential for accurate laboratory analysis because it enables the separation of plasma from the cellular components without the interference of clots, which could compromise test results.

In contrast, enhancing platelet aggregation or increasing blood viscosity would lead to clot formation, which is not desirable in a laboratory setting. Stabilizing blood cell morphology is related to the preservation of cells but does not directly address the prevention of coagulation needed for accurate plasma analysis.