Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 48%

Which of the following is the correct order of collection?

Rationale

Citrate, heparin, EDTA, fluoride is the correct order of collection.

The order of collection for blood samples is crucial to ensure that the anticoagulants are not mixed and interfere with the results of tests. Citrate is collected first to prevent coagulation, followed by heparin, EDTA, and finally fluoride, which is used for glucose testing.

A (Citrate, heparin, EDTA, fluoride) CORRECT

This sequence is correct because citrate is the first anticoagulant used, followed by heparin and EDTA, with fluoride collected last to preserve glucose levels. This order minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures accurate test results.

B (Citrate, EDTA, heparin, fluoride) YOUR ANSWER

This option incorrectly places EDTA before heparin. While citrate is correctly placed at the beginning, EDTA can potentially interfere with tests that require heparin, making this order inappropriate for maintaining sample integrity.

C (Fluoride, EDTA, heparin, citrate) YOUR ANSWER

Starting with fluoride is incorrect because it is intended for glucose preservation and should be collected last. Additionally, placing citrate last fails to account for its role in preventing coagulation, which is crucial for accurate laboratory analysis.

D (Fluoride, heparin, EDTA, citrate) YOUR ANSWER

This option also incorrectly places fluoride first, disregarding the necessary order for proper anticoagulation. Collecting citrate last would compromise the sample's integrity, leading to unreliable test results.

Conclusion

The correct order of blood sample collection is essential for accurate laboratory results, with citrate collected first to prevent coagulation, followed by heparin, EDTA, and finally fluoride. Each anticoagulant serves a specific purpose, and adhering to this order avoids interference and ensures the reliability of diagnostic tests.

Related Questions

View all