Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 60%

Which of the following specimens has a phlebotomist appropriately prepared for transport?

Rationale

A green-top tube for ammonia testing that is being shipped in an icy water mixture.

Ammonia is a volatile substance that can degrade quickly at room temperature, so it is critical to keep the sample cold during transport. Shipping the green-top tube in an icy water mixture ensures the sample remains at a stable, low temperature, preserving the integrity of the ammonia levels for accurate laboratory results.

A (A red-top tube that is being shipped after clotting for 15 min and being centrifuged) YOUR ANSWER

While a red-top tube is typically used for serum testing, the preparation for transport is inadequate here. The sample must be centrifuged and separated from the clot after clotting has fully occurred, which usually takes longer than 15 minutes. If not properly processed, the serum may not be stable for accurate testing.

B (A tube containing serum that is being shipped after separation from a lavender-top tube) YOUR ANSWER

This option is problematic because lavender-top tubes typically contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that can interfere with certain tests if serum is extracted. Moreover, the timing and conditions for serum separation are not specified, raising concerns about sample stability and integrity during transport.

C (A tiger-top tube for bilirubin testing that is being shipped in a clear biohazard bag) YOUR ANSWER

Although the tiger-top tube is appropriate for bilirubin testing, light exposure can degrade bilirubin levels. Simply placing it in a clear biohazard bag does not shield it from light, which is essential for preserving the sample. Therefore, this preparation is insufficient for ensuring accurate test results.

Conclusion

Proper specimen transport is vital to maintain sample integrity and ensure accurate lab results. In this case, the green-top tube prepared with an icy water mixture for ammonia testing is the only choice that meets the necessary conditions for stability and accuracy. The other options present various issues related to improper handling or environmental exposure that could compromise the test outcomes.

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