VPP-0026
QUESTION
In order to collect blood sample for estimation of glucose, the following is added as preservative in order to ensure that the level of glucose does not go down with passage of time?
OPTIONS
(A) Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic acid
(B) Sodium citrate
(C) Sodium fluoride
(D) Heparin
ANSWER
(C) Sodium fluoride
EXPLANATION
Sodium fluoride is added to blood collected for glucose estimation because it inhibits glycolysis by reducing cellular glucose consumption after collection, thereby helping preserve the measured glucose concentration. EDTA and citrate are primarily anticoagulants for other purposes, while heparin prevents clotting but does not provide the same glycolysis inhibition. Therefore, option C is correct.