Which tube is filled to the specified fill line for accurate coagulation tests?

Which tube is filled to the specified fill line for accurate coagulation tests?

• A. Lavender top tube
• B. Light blue tube
• C. Gold top tube
• D. Green top tube

Answer: (B)

The light blue tube is specifically designed for coagulation tests and requires a precise blood-to-additive ratio for accurate results. This tube contains sodium citrate as its anticoagulant, which works by binding calcium in the blood, preventing coagulation during the testing process. Coagulation studies such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) rely on this specific ratio being maintained to yield correct and reproducible results. Filling the light blue tube to the specified fill line ensures that the volume of blood is appropriate in relation to the amount of sodium citrate present, which is crucial for the validity of coagulation assessments. If the tube is underfilled or overfilled, it can lead to inaccurate test outcomes, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or improper management of a patient’s coagulation status. In contrast, the other tubes mentioned do not serve the same purpose. The lavender top tube is typically used for hematology tests, particularly complete blood counts. The gold top tube is commonly used for serum tests and does not directly involve coagulation assessment. The green top tube contains heparin, which is used for various tests but not specifically for coagulation in the same way as the light blue

The light blue tube is specifically designed for coagulation tests and requires a precise blood-to-additive ratio for accurate results. This tube contains sodium citrate as its anticoagulant, which works by binding calcium in the blood, preventing coagulation during the testing process. Coagulation studies such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) rely on this specific ratio being maintained to yield correct and reproducible results.

Filling the light blue tube to the specified fill line ensures that the volume of blood is appropriate in relation to the amount of sodium citrate present, which is crucial for the validity of coagulation assessments. If the tube is underfilled or overfilled, it can lead to inaccurate test outcomes, potentially leading to misdiagnosis or improper management of a patient’s coagulation status.

In contrast, the other tubes mentioned do not serve the same purpose. The lavender top tube is typically used for hematology tests, particularly complete blood counts. The gold top tube is commonly used for serum tests and does not directly involve coagulation assessment. The green top tube contains heparin, which is used for various tests but not specifically for coagulation in the same way as the light blue