Flashcard/Quiz Key Points:
I. Order of Draw:
- Purpose: Prevent cross-contamination of additives.
- Sequence: Yellow, Light Blue, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray. (Note: Some institutions may have variations or omissions)
II. Tube Types & Additives:
- Yellow (SPS): Anticoagulant: SPS; Tests: Blood Cultures; Specimen: Whole Blood.
- Light Blue (Sodium Citrate): Anticoagulant: Sodium Citrate; Tests: PT, PTT, aPTT, INR; Specimen: Plasma.
- Red (No Additive): Anticoagulant: None; Tests: Serum chemistry tests (e.g., cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen); Specimen: Serum.
- Green (Heparin): Anticoagulant: Heparin; Tests: BMP, electrolytes, LFTs; Specimen: Plasma.
- Lavender (EDTA): Anticoagulant: EDTA; Tests: CBC (RBC, WBC, Hgb, Hct); Specimen: Whole Blood.
- Gray (Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride): Anticoagulant: Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride; Tests: Fasting Blood Sugar, Glucose; Specimen: Plasma (fasting sample recommended).
III. Inversions:
- The number of inversions varies slightly depending on tube type and manufacturer instructions; always check the label.
- General Guidelines: 8-10 inversions for most tubes with anticoagulants. Fewer for some.
IV. Mnemonic Device (Example):
- **Yellow (Young): Blood Cultures
- **Light Blue (Lovely): Coagulation
- **Red (Rabbits): Serum
- **Green (Go to): Heparin
- **Lavender (Laughing): CBC
- **Gray (Girls): Glucose
- Mnemonic Phrase: Young Lovely Rabbits Go To Laughing Girls
V. Important Considerations:
- Reflux: The backflow of additives from one tube into another, causing contamination.
- Always follow your facility's specific protocols and procedures.
Use these key points to easily create effective flashcards and quizzes within Coconote to reinforce your learning. Good luck with your studies!