Which tube should be collected first if a patient requires multiple tests?

Which tube should be collected first if a patient requires multiple tests?

• A. Lavender top tube
• B. Red top tube
• C. Blood culture bottles
• D. Gold top tube

Answer: (C)

The first tube to be collected in a multi-tube blood draw is typically the blood culture bottles. This is essential because blood cultures are used to detect and identify any microorganisms in the bloodstream. Collecting this sample first minimizes the risk of contamination from other tubes that may contain additives such as anticoagulants or gel separators. When blood is drawn, there is a higher likelihood of contamination from skin flora or debris, particularly when needles pass through the skin and into the vein. By collecting blood cultures first, the integrity of the sample is preserved, ensuring that if an infection is present, it can be accurately detected and properly treated. The other tubes, such as lavender, red, and gold top tubes, contain specific additives that are intended for different types of tests. While they are equally important in their respective contexts, their collection should happen after the blood cultures to ensure that results are not compromised by any possible contamination. This practice is crucial in maintaining sample integrity and obtaining accurate test results.

The first tube to be collected in a multi-tube blood draw is typically the blood culture bottles. This is essential because blood cultures are used to detect and identify any microorganisms in the bloodstream. Collecting this sample first minimizes the risk of contamination from other tubes that may contain additives such as anticoagulants or gel separators.

When blood is drawn, there is a higher likelihood of contamination from skin flora or debris, particularly when needles pass through the skin and into the vein. By collecting blood cultures first, the integrity of the sample is preserved, ensuring that if an infection is present, it can be accurately detected and properly treated.

The other tubes, such as lavender, red, and gold top tubes, contain specific additives that are intended for different types of tests. While they are equally important in their respective contexts, their collection should happen after the blood cultures to ensure that results are not compromised by any possible contamination. This practice is crucial in maintaining sample integrity and obtaining accurate test results.