A phlebotomist has orders for the following tests: CBC, chemistry panel, lead, and a toxicology screen via capillary puncture. Which of the following should be collected?
Lavender top tube should be collected for the CBC test.
The lavender top tube contains EDTA, which is an anticoagulant that preserves blood samples for complete blood counts (CBC). This additive prevents clotting and ensures accurate results for hematological analyses.
The red top tube does not contain any additives and is typically used for serum tests, such as chemistry panels. Since the CBC requires whole blood and the red top tube allows for clot formation, it is not suitable for this particular test.
The lavender top tube is specifically designed for hematology tests, including the CBC. The presence of EDTA as an anticoagulant ensures that the blood remains in a liquid state, preventing clotting and allowing for accurate cell counts and morphological evaluations.
The light blue top tube contains sodium citrate, which is used for coagulation studies. While it is useful for tests that require plasma, it is not appropriate for CBC, which must be performed on whole blood. Thus, it would not provide the necessary results for the order.
Royal blue top tubes are used for trace element testing and may contain different additives depending on the manufacturer. They are not designed for routine hematology tests like the CBC and, therefore, are not suitable for this collection.
When performing a CBC, the lavender top tube is essential due to its EDTA anticoagulant, which maintains blood in a liquid state for accurate analysis. Other tube types, like the red, light blue, and royal blue, are either incompatible with the requirements of a CBC or unsuitable for the specific tests ordered. Proper tube selection is crucial in phlebotomy to ensure valid and reliable test results.
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