Which statement about EDTA is true regarding molecular testing?

The statement regarding EDTA that holds true in the context of molecular testing is that it is preferred over ACD. EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, serves as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium ions, which is crucial for preventing blood coagulation. This property makes EDTA the preferred anticoagulant in many molecular assays. The use of EDTA helps ensure that nucleic acids remain intact and free from the effects of cellular metabolism, providing high-quality samples for downstream molecular applications.

In molecular testing, maintaining the integrity of DNA or RNA is critical, and EDTA provides a stable environment for the preservation of nucleic acids. It helps to minimize degradation caused by cellular enzymes and keeps the sample suitable for techniques such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and sequencing.

The comparison with other anticoagulants like ACD (Acid-Citrate-Dextrose) highlights that though ACD has its uses, specifically in some cellular studies, EDTA is often favored in molecular contexts for its superior capabilities in preserving nucleic acid integrity.

Understanding the specific role of different anticoagulants in molecular testing is essential, and EDTA's ability to chelate calcium and stabilize samples makes it a go-to