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Specimen Collection & Handling Flashcards

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  1. Which tube is drawn first in the CLSI order of draw when no blood culture is collected?

    Answer: Light blue (sodium citrate)

    The light blue citrate tube is first because it is the first tube in the standard order after blood cultures.

  2. What additive is found in a lavender-top tube?

    Answer: EDTA

    Lavender tubes contain EDTA, which binds calcium to prevent clotting for hematology tests.

  3. A gray-top tube is most often used to collect specimens for which test?

    Answer: Glucose

    Sodium fluoride in gray tops inhibits glycolysis and preserves glucose.

  4. What is the maximum recommended tourniquet time during venipuncture?

    Answer: 1 minute

    Tourniquet use beyond one minute can cause hemoconcentration and alter results.

  5. Which tube immediately precedes the gray top in the order of draw?

    Answer: Lavender

    The order is blood culture, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, then gray.

  6. Why is the order of draw important?

    Answer: To prevent additive carryover between tubes

    Following the order prevents additives such as EDTA from contaminating later tubes and skewing results.

  7. How many times should a lavender EDTA tube be gently inverted after collection?

    Answer: 8–10 times

    Gentle inversion mixes the additive with blood without causing hemolysis.

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