Question

The antiquagulant that is used to inibit utilization of glucose by the RBC in blood out side the body

• A. Potassium oxalate
• B. Heparin
• C. Sodium fluoride
• D. EDTA

Hint:

For blood glucose estimation, use the Grey-top tube.
This tube contains Sodium fluoride (glycolysis inhibitor) and Potassium oxalate (anticoagulant).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
When blood is drawn from the body for glucose estimation, red blood cells (RBCs) continue to metabolize glucose via glycolysis.
To prevent this in vitro glycolysis, which would artificially lower the measured blood glucose levels, a glycolytic inhibitor is added to the collection tube.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Sodium fluoride (NaF) (C): This is an effective antiglycolytic agent.
It works by inhibiting the enzyme enolase, a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway that catalyzes the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate.
By blocking enolase, NaF halts glycolysis in RBCs, preserving the glucose concentration in the plasma sample for accurate measurement.
NaF is typically used in combination with an anticoagulant like potassium oxalate, which chelates calcium to prevent clotting.
- Heparin (B) and EDTA (D) are anticoagulants that prevent clotting but do not inhibit glycolysis.
Therefore, Sodium fluoride is the specific agent used to inhibit glucose utilization by RBCs.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The agent used to inhibit the utilization of glucose by RBCs is Sodium fluoride.