Which statement is true regarding heparin as an anticoagulant for blood gas studies?

Heparin is recognized as a suitable anticoagulant for blood gas studies largely because it does not significantly alter the pH of the blood sample when used appropriately. Unlike other anticoagulants, heparin allows for accurate measurement of pH, as it does not introduce organic acids or bases that could skew the results. This characteristic is crucial in blood gas analyses where precise pH measurement is vital for diagnosing metabolic and respiratory conditions.

When blood is collected for gas measurements, heparin's compatibility with the plasma minimizes the risk of altering the sample's chemical properties, which is why it is often preferred over alternatives. This allows clinicians to obtain reliable results that accurately reflect the patient's physiological state without the influence of the anticoagulant itself.

In contrast, other anticoagulants may introduce changes to the sample that could affect the interpretation of blood gas results, making heparin a unique choice in these studies.