Which blood component is primarily affected by anticoagulants during collection?

The correct choice indicates that clotting factors are primarily affected by anticoagulants during the collection of blood. Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting, allowing for the preservation of the liquid components of blood, particularly plasma. By inhibiting the clotting process, these substances help maintain the functionality of clotting factors in plasma, which are critical for coagulation processes.

When anticoagulants are used, such as EDTA, heparin, or citrate, they bind to calcium ions or inhibit various enzymes involved in the coagulation cascade. This allows for the accurate assessment of clotting factors and their activity without interference from the clotting process that would normally occur if blood were left to stand unaided.

While anticoagulants may have some influence on platelets, red blood cells, and plasma, the primary role of these agents is to prevent the activation of the clotting factors. In a properly anti-coagulated sample, the focus is predominantly on preserving the integrity and functionality of these factors for various diagnostic purposes.