What is the purpose of potassium oxalate?

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Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of potassium oxalate?

Explanation:
Potassium oxalate acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium, which is essential for the blood clotting process. By removing calcium, it prevents clot formation, keeping the blood in a liquid state so plasma can be separated for tests. It does not promote clotting, and while fluoride can preserve glucose in some tubes, potassium oxalate’s role is specifically to inhibit coagulation, not stabilize pH.

Potassium oxalate acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium, which is essential for the blood clotting process. By removing calcium, it prevents clot formation, keeping the blood in a liquid state so plasma can be separated for tests. It does not promote clotting, and while fluoride can preserve glucose in some tubes, potassium oxalate’s role is specifically to inhibit coagulation, not stabilize pH.

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