Which anticoagulant is recommended for lactic acid specimen collection?

Which anticoagulant is recommended for lactic acid specimen collection?

• A. EDTA
• B. Heparin
• C. Citrate
• D. Oxalate

Answer: (B)

Lactic acid testing needs an anticoagulant that won’t interfere with the enzyme reactions used to measure lactate. Heparin fits that requirement because it acts as a plasma anticoagulant without chelating ions or altering enzyme activity, so the lactate signal in the assay isn’t biased by the additive. In contrast, EDTA and citrate can bind calcium or other ions that some enzymatic reactions depend on, potentially altering measurements. Oxalate can also affect calcium balance or cause precipitation, which may influence the assay outcome. Fluoride-containing tubes (not listed here) help by inhibiting glycolysis, but among these options, heparin is the least likely to introduce interference, making it the preferred choice for lactic acid specimens.

Lactic acid testing needs an anticoagulant that won’t interfere with the enzyme reactions used to measure lactate. Heparin fits that requirement because it acts as a plasma anticoagulant without chelating ions or altering enzyme activity, so the lactate signal in the assay isn’t biased by the additive.

In contrast, EDTA and citrate can bind calcium or other ions that some enzymatic reactions depend on, potentially altering measurements. Oxalate can also affect calcium balance or cause precipitation, which may influence the assay outcome. Fluoride-containing tubes (not listed here) help by inhibiting glycolysis, but among these options, heparin is the least likely to introduce interference, making it the preferred choice for lactic acid specimens.