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Which types of tests are commonly run with blood collected in the light blue coagulation tube?
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Tests like PT, INR, PTT, Anti-10a, Fibrinogen, D-dimer, and TEG are run with blood collected in light blue coagulation tubes.
What type of blood cultures should be drawn first and why?
Aerobic blood cultures should be drawn first to reduce the contamination risk.
What is the function of EDTA in the purple top and pink top tubes?
EDTA preserves cell morphology and prevents clotting in both purple and pink top tubes.
For which types of tests is the purple top tube used?
The purple top tube is used for hematology tests such as CBC, ESR, and A1C.
Which tests are commonly performed using a red top tube?
Red top tubes are used for chemistry panels and tests requiring serum.
What does the gray top tube contain and what tests is it used for?
The gray top tube contains sodium fluoride (prevents glycolysis) and potassium oxalate (binds calcium), used for tests like lactate, ethanol, and fasting glucose.
List the correct order of draw for blood sampling.
1. Blood Cultures, 2. Light Blue Tube, 3. Red Top Tube, 4. Gold/SST Tube, 5. Green Top Tube, 6. Purple Top Tube, 7. Pink Top Tube, 8. Gray Top Tube.
What is the additive in light blue tubes and what is its function?
The light blue tube contains sodium citrate which binds calcium to prevent clotting.
Why do some tests require green top tube samples to be kept on ice?
Certain tests, such as those for ammonia, ionized calcium, and lactate, require samples to be kept on ice to preserve the integrity of the sample.
Which additives are found in green top tubes and their function?
Green top tubes contain heparin (an anticoagulant) and sometimes plasma-separation gel.
What is the specific use for the pink top tube?
The pink top tube is used specifically for blood typing.
What possible effects can using the incorrect order of draw have on test results?
Using the incorrect order can lead to cross contamination of additives, causing false readings for tests like coagulation, calcium, and potassium.
What is the purpose of the gel in gold or SST tubes?
The gel in gold/SST tubes separates serum from cells, used commonly in antigen-antibody tests.
What mnemonic can be used to remember the order of draw?
Stoplight Red Stay Green Power Light Go: Sterile/Blood Cultures, Light Blue, Red Top, Serum Separator (Gold/SST), Green Top, Purple Top, Light Pink (Blood Typing), Gray Top.
Why is the proper order of draw important in blood sampling?
It prevents cross-contamination and ensures accurate lab results, reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.
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