Which statement describes the anticoagulant recommendation for ABG collection?

• A. Use a plain syringe with no anticoagulant
• B. Use a heparinized syringe to prevent clotting
• C. Use an EDTA tube for ABG collection
• D. Use citrate-containing tube to prevent clotting

Answer: (B)

Arterial blood gas samples must be protected from clotting so the measured pH and gas tensions reflect the patient’s blood. Using a heparinized syringe provides anticoagulation in a way that minimizes interference with the blood gas values, making it the standard choice for ABG collection. A plain syringe lacks anticoagulant, so clots can form and distort the results. EDTA and citrate tubes are not suitable because they chelate calcium and can significantly alter the pH and gas measurements, leading to inaccurate ABG results. Therefore, the anticoagulant recommendation is to use a heparinized syringe.