What Laboratory test requires blood collection in an EDTA tube?

What Laboratory test requires blood collection in an EDTA tube?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Hematocrit
• C. WBC Count
• D. Platelet Count

Answer: (D)

Blood cell counts, especially platelets, rely on an anticoagulant that fully prevents clotting and preserves cell morphology. EDTA does this by binding calcium, stopping the clotting process and keeping platelets from clumping. Platelet enumeration is measured from a non-clotted blood sample, so using an EDTA tube is essential for an accurate platelet count. While other CBC components like white blood cells and hemoglobin/hematocrit are also commonly measured from EDTA-preserved samples, the test that most specifically requires an EDTA-preserved blood sample to ensure reliable platelet counting is the platelet count.

Blood cell counts, especially platelets, rely on an anticoagulant that fully prevents clotting and preserves cell morphology. EDTA does this by binding calcium, stopping the clotting process and keeping platelets from clumping. Platelet enumeration is measured from a non-clotted blood sample, so using an EDTA tube is essential for an accurate platelet count. While other CBC components like white blood cells and hemoglobin/hematocrit are also commonly measured from EDTA-preserved samples, the test that most specifically requires an EDTA-preserved blood sample to ensure reliable platelet counting is the platelet count.