The light blue tube top contains which additive primarily used for coagulation studies?

The light blue tube top contains sodium citrate as its primary additive, which is specifically used for coagulation studies. Sodium citrate works by binding calcium ions in the blood, which are essential for the coagulation process. By chelating calcium, sodium citrate effectively prevents the blood from clotting while the sample is being analyzed, allowing healthcare professionals to accurately assess coagulation parameters such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

In the context of coagulation studies, the importance of sodium citrate cannot be overstated, as it provides a reliable means of maintaining the sample in a non-coagulated state prior to testing. This is crucial for obtaining valid and interpretable results regarding the patient's hemostatic function.