Final answer:
The reversible anticoagulant citrate is found in blood collection tubes with light blue tops. Citrate prevents clotting by binding calcium ions. Other anticoagulants like EDTA and heparin are found in purple and green-topped tubes, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reversible anticoagulant citrate is commonly found in blood collection tubes that are color-coded with a light blue top. Citrate works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, thereby disrupting the blood clotting process. It is important in a clinical setting for preventing blood samples from clotting before they can be analyzed.
Alternative anticoagulants used in blood collection tubes include ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA), which binds calcium and is found in purple-topped tubes, and heparin, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa and is found in green-topped tubes.