Final answer:
The preferred anticoagulant for routine hematological studies is EDTA, as it preserves cell morphology by chelating calcium ions, essential for the clotting process. EDTA is especially useful for lab work requiring microscopic examination of blood cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred anticoagulant for routine hematologic studies is EDTA because it effectively preserves cell morphology. Heparin is also widely used, particularly for its immediate effect and suitability in clinical settings such as surgeries where rapid anticoagulation is required. However, for routine lab work where cell shape needs to be maintained for microscopic examination, EDTA is favored.
EDTA works as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions. Since calcium is necessary for the blood clotting cascade, its removal effectively halts coagulation, allowing for the analysis of blood components without the interference of clotting. The cells' morphology is preserved, which is essential for accurate hematological assessments.
Additionally, EDTA is useful for a wide range of clinical laboratory tests because it affects multiple stages in the coagulation pathway, and thus can be used to assess various hematological parameters.