Blood Collection Test Tube Color Codes

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Questions and Answers

What is the additive used in the yellow test tube?

Sodium polyanetholesulfonate (correct)

Potassium oxalate

EDTA

Sodium heparin

Which test tube color is commonly used for coagulation tests?

Yellow

Red

Blue (correct)

Green

What is the additive in the red test tube?

Sodium fluoride

No additive required (correct)

EDTA

Thixotropic gel

Which additive is found in the green test tube?

Sodium heparin or lithium heparin Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of anticoagulants?

To prevent blood from clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common antiseptic used for cleaning a puncture site?

Isopropyl alcohol Signup and view all the answers

Which antiseptic is used to prevent contamination of the blood culture sample?

Iodine Signup and view all the answers

What can interfere with test results when drawing blood?

Hematomas Signup and view all the answers

The site from which a specimen is collected is called the ______.

site selection Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when drawing blood from an arm with an IV?

Performing the draw Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a tourniquet in blood collection?

To engorge veins and make them more visible Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is needed for proper capillary puncture?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of a multi-sample needle?

Bevel, shaft, threaded hub, rubber sleeve over needle Signup and view all the answers

Match the sample collection types to their key requirements:

Midstream Clean-Catch Urine Collection = Sterile urine container and antiseptic towelettes 24-Hour Urine Sample Collection = 24-hour urine sample container and preservatives if required Urine Drug Sample Collection = Gloves and chain of custody form Throat Culture Swab = Collection swab in a sterile tube Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to disinfect a puncture site?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is quality control on equipment focused on?

Expiration dates and routine maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Test Tube Color Codes

Yellow: For blood cultures and sterile specimens; contains sodium polyanetholesulfonate as an additive.
Blue: Used for coagulation tests including PT (Prothrombin Time), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), and fibrinogen testing.
Red: No additive required; suitable for chemistry testing and blood bank testing; can include thixotropic gel for separation.
Green: Contains sodium heparin or lithium heparin, acting as a natural anticoagulant for routine chemistry testing.
Lavender: Contains EDTA, which binds calcium to prevent clot formation; primarily used for hematology tests like CBC (Complete Blood Count).
Gray: Contains sodium fluoride (prevents glycolysis) and potassium oxalate (anticoagulant) for glucose tolerance and lactic acid testing.
Royal Blue or Tan: Used for nutritional studies, drug monitoring, and toxicology; tan tops contain EDTA for lead testing.

Blood Collection Components

Anticoagulants: Substances that prevent blood from clotting during testing.
Clot Activator: Promotes coagulation and is used for serum chemistries, especially for patients on anticoagulants.
Polymer Gel: Separates plasma and serum during centrifugation.

Antiseptic Use

Type of Antiseptic: Determined by tests ordered; critical to prevent contamination.
Isopropyl Alcohol: The most commonly used antiseptic for cleaning puncture sites.
Iodine: Preferred for blood cultures to avoid contamination from skin flora.

Site Considerations

Site Selection: Collection site can interfere with test results; care must be taken in selecting appropriate sites.
Hematomas: Blood drawn from hematomas may yield altered test results due to less fresh blood.
IV Sites: Avoid drawing blood from arms with IVs when possible; if unavoidable, collect from distal to the IV site.
Capillary Puncture: Typically performed on the middle or ring finger; index or thumb can also be used, avoiding the pinky.

Specimen Collection Guidelines

Proper ordering and usage of collection tubes minimize contamination and ensure accurate results.
Tourniquet Application: Tying too tightly can lead to hemoconcentration, affecting test outcomes.

Needles and Syringes

Multi-Sample Needle Parts: Consists of bevel, shaft, threaded hub, and rubber sleeve.
Syringe System Parts: Includes bevel, shaft, hub, graduated barrel, and plunger.

Capillary Equipment

Tools for Capillary Collection: Items such as gauze, bandages, lancets, and micro collection containers are essential.
Use of Alcohol: Recommended for disinfecting skin prior to capillary puncture instead of iodine due to potential residue.

Urine Collection Methods

Midstream Clean-Catch: Requires sterile containers, antiseptic towelettes, and written guidelines for cleansing.
24-Hour Urine Sample: Requires appropriate containers, preservatives, ice if needed, and proper labeling.
Urine Drug Sample Collection: Involves requisition forms, gloves, and temperature strips to ensure sample integrity.

Culture and Swab Collection

Throat Culture: Collection involves a requisition form, tongue depressor, and sterile swabs.
Nasopharyngeal Swab: Requires a sterile mini-tip swab and saline transport medium for specimen stability.

Equipment Quality Control

Regular checks for expiration dates on tubes and needles; maintenance of equipment used in point-of-care testing (POCT).
Routine cleaning of surfaces and implementation of preventive maintenance on centrifuges to ensure accuracy in testing.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge of the different blood collection test tube color codes and their respective uses. Learn which additives are present in each tube and the types of tests they are best suited for. Gain a better understanding of blood culture, coagulation tests, and more.