Phlebotomy Test Blood Collection Equipment and Supplies 2

Question 1

What additive is found in light blue top tubes and what is its primary use?

Accepted Answer

Sodium citrate; for coagulation studies such as PT and PTT

Answer

Light blue tubes contain sodium citrate, which reversibly binds calcium to prevent coagulation; this makes them essential for PT, PTT, and other coagulation studies requiring a precise 9:1 blood-to-additive ratio.

Question 2

Which tube color indicates a plain tube with no additive, used to collect serum by allowing natural clotting?

Accepted Answer

Plain red (no additive)

Answer

Plain red top tubes contain no additive, allowing blood to clot naturally so that serum can be separated by centrifugation for chemistry and serology testing.

Question 3

What does SST stand for in phlebotomy, and which color is it typically associated with?

Accepted Answer

Serum Separator Tube; gold or tiger-top

Answer

SST stands for Serum Separator Tube; it contains a thixotropic gel and a clot activator, and after centrifugation the gel forms a barrier between serum and the clot for easy serum harvest.

Question 4

How should used phlebotomy needles be disposed of immediately after removal from the patient?

Accepted Answer

Place directly into an approved sharps container without recapping

Answer

OSHA standards require immediate disposal of used needles into an approved sharps container without recapping, as recapping is the leading cause of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers.

Question 5

What is the required blood-to-additive ratio for a light blue sodium citrate tube to ensure valid coagulation results?

Accepted Answer

9:1

Answer

Light blue tubes must be filled to the correct volume to achieve a 9:1 blood-to-sodium-citrate ratio; underfilling dilutes the sample while overfilling leaves excess anticoagulant, both of which invalidate PT and PTT results.

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Blood Collection Equipment and Supplies 2