Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 47%

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 testing requires that the specimen be kept cold to prevent the breakdown of ammonia, which can occur at room temperature. Therefore, shipping the green-top tube in an icy water mixture ensures the specimen remains stable during transport.

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

This option is inappropriate because a red-top tube should not be shipped until the serum has been properly separated and cooled, especially if it is a time-sensitive test. While the tube has clotted and been centrifuged, it lacks temperature control necessary for optimal specimen integrity.

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

Although the serum has been separated, it is unclear whether the specimen has been cooled adequately for transport. Lavender-top tubes typically contain EDTA, which is used for hematology tests, and serum from these tubes may not be suitable for all tests without proper handling and cooling.

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

This choice is unsuitable as bilirubin is sensitive to light and should be protected from light exposure during transport. While the biohazard bag provides protection, it does not address the need for light protection, making this preparation inadequate.

Conclusion

Proper specimen preparation and transport are crucial for accurate laboratory testing. Among the options, a green-top tube shipped in an icy water mixture is the only specimen that adheres to the necessary cooling requirements for ammonia testing. The other choices fail to meet important criteria, such as temperature control or light protection, which are essential for maintaining specimen integrity during transport.

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