You are working in a PHC and have to send a sample for blood glucose estimation. Which of the following anticoagulant will you use for sending your sample?
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the understanding of anticoagulants used in blood sampling for glucose estimation. The correct anticoagulant should prevent clotting while preserving glucose levels in the sample.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Sodium fluoride (NaF) is the preferred anticoagulant for blood glucose estimation because it inhibits glycolysis, the metabolic pathway responsible for glucose consumption by erythrocytes. This prevents a decrease in glucose levels during sample storage and transportation. Sodium fluoride acts by inhibiting the enzyme enolase, which is essential for glycolysis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent used as an anticoagulant in blood samples for hematological tests, but it does not prevent glycolysis and is not suitable for glucose estimation.
**Option B:** Heparin is an anticoagulant used in blood samples for coagulation tests, but it can also inhibit glycolysis to some extent. However, its effect is not as potent as sodium fluoride, and it is not the preferred choice for glucose estimation.
**Option C:** Citrate is an anticoagulant used in blood samples for coagulation tests, but it has no effect on glycolysis and is not suitable for glucose estimation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When sending blood samples for glucose estimation, always specify the use of sodium fluoride as the anticoagulant to ensure accurate results.
**Correct Answer:** C. Sodium fluoride (NaF)