Sodium citrate, used in certain coagulation tests, primarily binds which ion?

Prepare for the NPS Phlebotomy Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Sodium citrate, used in certain coagulation tests, primarily binds which ion?

Explanation:
Calcium is essential for many steps in the coagulation cascade. Sodium citrate works as an anticoagulant by binding Ca2+ ions, removing free calcium from the blood sample and preventing clot formation. When testing is performed, calcium is added back to reinitiate coagulation so that clotting times (like PT or aPTT) can be measured. The other ions listed are not the primary targets of citrate in this context.

Calcium is essential for many steps in the coagulation cascade. Sodium citrate works as an anticoagulant by binding Ca2+ ions, removing free calcium from the blood sample and preventing clot formation. When testing is performed, calcium is added back to reinitiate coagulation so that clotting times (like PT or aPTT) can be measured. The other ions listed are not the primary targets of citrate in this context.

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