What is the function of the anticoagulant EDTA?

The function of the anticoagulant EDTA is to preserve cellular components for testing by preventing blood from clotting. EDTA, which stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, works by binding calcium ions in the blood. Calcium is essential for the clotting process, so by chelating (binding) calcium, EDTA effectively inhibits coagulation. This preservation is critical for various blood tests where the analysis of cellular components, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, is necessary. Hence, whole blood specimens collected in EDTA tubes can be thoroughly analyzed without the interference of clot formation, providing accurate results for hematological assessments and other related tests.

While other options reference different functions or purposes, they do not accurately describe the primary action of EDTA as an anticoagulant in laboratory settings.