Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 100%

Which of the following specimens is being shipped appropriately

Rationale

A greentop tube for ammonia testing that is being shipped in an icy water mixture.

Shipping a greentop tube containing plasma for ammonia testing in an icy water mixture is crucial to preserve the stability of ammonia, which can degrade at room temperature. The cold temperature slows metabolic processes and prevents the breakdown of ammonia, ensuring accurate test results.

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

This option is inappropriate because a redtop tube typically requires sufficient clotting time before centrifugation, and shipping it immediately after only 15 minutes may not allow for complete serum separation. Additionally, serum samples should be cooled if there’s a significant delay in shipping to ensure stability, which is not indicated here.

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

While serum can be separated from a lavendertop tube, this option does not specify any cooling or preservation measures for the serum during shipping. Without proper temperature control, the stability of certain analytes may be compromised, leading to inaccurate test results.

C (A tigertop tube for bili testing that is being shipped in a clear biohazard bag) YOUR ANSWER

Shipping a tigertop tube in a clear biohazard bag may not ensure adequate temperature control for bilirubin testing. Bilirubin is sensitive to light and should ideally be protected from it, meaning that the tube should be wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in an opaque container rather than just a biohazard bag.

Conclusion

In laboratory settings, appropriate shipping methods are essential for maintaining sample integrity. The only option that ensures both temperature control and the preservation of the analyte is the greentop tube for ammonia testing shipped in an icy water mixture. Other choices either compromise the sample's stability or fail to meet necessary shipping guidelines, which can lead to inaccurate laboratory results.

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