Explanation should include
- addressing the risk of additive carryover
- identifying the current sequence of tube collection
- describing the differences among collection methods (e.g., syringe vs. multiple sample vs. capillary collection)
- identifying the differences among capillary tubes (e.g., blue-top, red-top, purple-top or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] tube).
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is it important to fill the light blue-top tube first in coagulation testing?
- What are considerations when drawing a butterfly collection?
- What potential erroneous results may be seen as a result of drawing an EDTA (or purple) tube prior to a red-top tube?
- Why is a lavender microtainer collected before all others in a capillary collection?
- What is the effect of additive carryover?
- What are the potential effects on laboratory results if blood from two collection tubes is combined?