Final answer:
Anticoagulated tubes should typically be inverted 8-10 times to ensure proper mixing of the anticoagulant with the blood and to prevent clotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
When handling anticoagulated tubes, it is important to invert them to properly mix the anticoagulant with the blood. The correct number of inversions can vary depending on the type of tube and the manufacturer's instructions, but a common recommendation is to invert the tube 8-10 times. This ensures that the anticoagulant is adequately mixed with the blood to prevent clotting while avoiding hemolysis or the breakdown of red blood cells that can occur from overmixing.