What can happen if an anticoagulant tube is not mixed properly after blood collection?

When an anticoagulant tube is not mixed properly after blood collection, it can lead to clot formation within the tube. Anticoagulants, such as EDTA or heparin, are added to blood collection tubes to prevent clotting and preserve the integrity of the blood sample for accurate testing. If the collected blood is not adequately mixed with the anticoagulant, the anticoagulant may not interact effectively with the blood, resulting in the formation of clots.

Clots can significantly affect the results of various laboratory tests. For example, tests that require plasma or serum may yield erroneous results if clots are present, as they can interfere with the assay processes and lead to inaccurate interpretations by healthcare providers. Proper mixing ensures that the anticoagulant evenly coats the cells, thus preventing any potential clotting and ensuring reliable test outcomes.