A Phlebotomy Technician Has A Requisition Form For A Series Of Tests On A Patient's Serum. The Technician Should Select A Collection Tube That Contains Which Of The Following Additives?A. Sodium Fluoride B. Thrombin C. Sodium Citrate D. Heparin

Feb 28, 2025 by ADMIN 248 views

A Phlebotomy Technician's Guide to Selecting the Right Collection Tube

Understanding the Importance of Collection Tubes in Phlebotomy

As a phlebotomy technician, selecting the right collection tube is a crucial step in the process of collecting a patient's blood sample. The type of additive in the collection tube determines the type of test that can be performed on the sample. In this article, we will discuss the different types of additives found in collection tubes and how to select the right one for a series of tests on a patient's serum.

The Role of Additives in Collection Tubes

Collection tubes contain various additives that help to preserve the blood sample and prevent clotting. These additives can be broadly classified into four categories: anticoagulants, clotting agents, preservatives, and stabilizers. Each type of additive serves a specific purpose and is used in conjunction with specific tests.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are additives that prevent blood clotting and allow the blood sample to remain liquid. They are essential for tests that require a liquid blood sample, such as coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests. The most common anticoagulants used in collection tubes are:

Heparin: Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the formation of thrombin. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as coagulation studies, blood chemistry tests, and blood gas analysis.
Sodium citrate: Sodium citrate is another anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by binding to calcium ions. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests.
Sodium fluoride: Sodium fluoride is a preservative that prevents glycolysis, a process that breaks down glucose in the blood sample. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as blood glucose tests.

Clotting Agents

Clotting agents are additives that help to form a blood clot in the collection tube. They are essential for tests that require a solid blood clot, such as coagulation studies and blood typing tests. The most common clotting agents used in collection tubes are:

Thrombin: Thrombin is a clotting agent that helps to form a blood clot in the collection tube. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as coagulation studies and blood typing tests.

Preservatives and Stabilizers

Preservatives and stabilizers are additives that help to preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation. They are essential for tests that require a stable blood sample, such as blood chemistry tests and blood gas analysis. The most common preservatives and stabilizers used in collection tubes are:

Sodium citrate: Sodium citrate is a preservative that prevents blood clotting and degradation. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests.
Sodium fluoride: Sodium fluoride is a preservative that prevents glycolysis and degradation. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as blood glucose tests.

Selecting the Right Collection Tube

When selecting a collection tube, the phlebotomy technician must consider the type of test being performed and the type of additive required. The following are some general guidelines for selecting the right collection tube:

Coagulation studies: Use a collection tube containing heparin or sodium citrate.
Blood chemistry tests: Use a collection tube containing heparin or sodium citrate.
Blood glucose tests: Use a collection tube containing sodium fluoride.
Blood typing tests: Use a collection tube containing thrombin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right collection tube is a crucial step in the process of collecting a patient's blood sample. The type of additive in the collection tube determines the type of test that can be performed on the sample. By understanding the different types of additives and their uses, phlebotomy technicians can ensure that the right collection tube is selected for each test, resulting in accurate and reliable test results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of anticoagulants in collection tubes? A: Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting and allow the blood sample to remain liquid.
Q: What is the purpose of clotting agents in collection tubes? A: Clotting agents help to form a blood clot in the collection tube.
Q: What is the purpose of preservatives and stabilizers in collection tubes? A: Preservatives and stabilizers help to preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation.
Q: How do I select the right collection tube for a series of tests on a patient's serum? A: Consider the type of test being performed and the type of additive required. Use a collection tube containing heparin or sodium citrate for coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests, sodium fluoride for blood glucose tests, and thrombin for blood typing tests.

References

American Society for Clinical Pathology. (2019). Phlebotomy: A Guide for Phlebotomists.
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2020). Blood Collection Tubes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Blood Collection and Testing.
A Phlebotomy Technician's Guide to Selecting the Right Collection Tube: Q&A

Understanding the Importance of Collection Tubes in Phlebotomy

Q&A: Collection Tubes and Additives

Q: What is the purpose of anticoagulants in collection tubes?

A: Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting and allow the blood sample to remain liquid. They are essential for tests that require a liquid blood sample, such as coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests.

Q: What is the difference between heparin and sodium citrate?

A: Heparin and sodium citrate are both anticoagulants, but they work in different ways. Heparin inhibits the formation of thrombin, while sodium citrate binds to calcium ions, preventing blood clotting.

Q: What is the purpose of clotting agents in collection tubes?

A: Clotting agents help to form a blood clot in the collection tube. They are essential for tests that require a solid blood clot, such as coagulation studies and blood typing tests.

Q: What is the difference between thrombin and other clotting agents?

A: Thrombin is a clotting agent that helps to form a blood clot in the collection tube. It is used in collection tubes for tests such as coagulation studies and blood typing tests.

Q: What is the purpose of preservatives and stabilizers in collection tubes?

A: Preservatives and stabilizers help to preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation. They are essential for tests that require a stable blood sample, such as blood chemistry tests and blood gas analysis.

Q: What is the difference between sodium citrate and sodium fluoride?

A: Sodium citrate is a preservative that prevents blood clotting and degradation, while sodium fluoride is a preservative that prevents glycolysis and degradation.

Q: How do I select the right collection tube for a series of tests on a patient's serum?

A: Consider the type of test being performed and the type of additive required. Use a collection tube containing heparin or sodium citrate for coagulation studies and blood chemistry tests, sodium fluoride for blood glucose tests, and thrombin for blood typing tests.

Q: What are the common mistakes made by phlebotomy technicians when selecting collection tubes?

A: Common mistakes include using the wrong type of collection tube for a test, not considering the type of additive required, and not following proper laboratory procedures.

Q: How do I ensure that the right collection tube is selected for each test?

A: Always follow laboratory procedures and guidelines, and consult with a supervisor or laboratory professional if you are unsure about the type of collection tube to use.

Q: What are the consequences of using the wrong collection tube for a test?

A: Using the wrong collection tube can result in inaccurate or unreliable test results, which can have serious consequences for patient care.

Q: How do I stay up-to-date with the latest information on collection tubes and additives?

A: Attend continuing education courses, read industry publications, and consult with laboratory professionals to stay current with the latest information on collection tubes and additives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right collection tube is a crucial step in the process of collecting a patient's blood sample. By understanding the different types of additives and their uses, phlebotomy technicians can ensure that the right collection tube is selected for each test, resulting in accurate and reliable test results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of anticoagulants in collection tubes? A: Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting and allow the blood sample to remain liquid.
Q: What is the difference between heparin and sodium citrate? A: Heparin and sodium citrate are both anticoagulants, but they work in different ways.
Q: What is the purpose of clotting agents in collection tubes? A: Clotting agents help to form a blood clot in the collection tube.
Q: What is the difference between thrombin and other clotting agents? A: Thrombin is a clotting agent that helps to form a blood clot in the collection tube.
Q: What is the purpose of preservatives and stabilizers in collection tubes? A: Preservatives and stabilizers help to preserve the blood sample and prevent degradation.

References

American Society for Clinical Pathology. (2019). Phlebotomy: A Guide for Phlebotomists.
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2020). Blood Collection Tubes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Blood Collection and Testing.