When a serum separation tube (SST) is collected, which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to ensure optimal test results?
Invert the tube 5 to 8 times and then set for 30 minutes prior to centrifugation.
Invert the tube 1 to 3 times and then set for 1 hour prior to centrifugation.
Invert the tube 2 to 4 times and then set for 15 minutes prior to centrifugation.
Invert the tube 8 to 10 times and then set for 2 hours prior to centrifugation.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 8 times ensures that the clot activator mixes thoroughly with the blood, promoting proper clotting. Setting the tube aside for 30 minutes allows sufficient time for the blood to clot before centrifugation. This is the recommended procedure to ensure that the serum is properly separated from the clot, resulting in a quality specimen suitable for testing.
Choice B reason:
Inverting the tube only 1 to 3 times may not be enough to mix the clot activator with the blood adequately, which could lead to incomplete clotting and potentially compromised test results. Additionally, setting the tube for 1 hour before centrifugation is longer than necessary and does not offer any advantage over the recommended 30 minutes.
Choice C reason:
Inverting the tube 2 to 4 times might not fully mix the clot activator with the blood, and setting it for only 15 minutes does not provide enough time for proper clot formation. This could result in a suboptimal separation of serum and clot, affecting the integrity of the test results.
Choice D reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times could potentially cause hemolysis or disruption of the blood cells due to excessive agitation. Setting the tube for 2 hours prior to centrifugation is not recommended as it could lead to serum degradation or other changes that may affect the test results.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A red-top tube is used for serum determinations in chemistry and should be allowed to clot completely, typically for 30 minutes, before centrifugation. Shipping after only 15 minutes may result in incomplete clotting and potentially inaccurate test results.
Choice B Reason:
Serum should not be separated from a lavender-top tube, as this type of tube contains EDTA and is used for whole blood tests, not serum. This indicates a misunderstanding of the tube's purpose and could lead to compromised test results.
Choice C Reason:
A tiger-top tube, also known as a serum separator tube, is used for various chemistry tests. However, bilirubin is light-sensitive, and specimens for bilirubin testing should be protected from light, not shipped in a clear bag. This could lead to degradation of the bilirubin and inaccurate results.
Choice D Reason:
A green-top tube contains heparin and is used for plasma determinations. Ammonia testing requires the plasma to be placed on ice immediately after collection to inhibit the continued production of ammonia from red blood cells. Therefore, shipping in an icy water mixture is the correct procedure to ensure accurate ammonia levels.
In conclusion, the proper preparation and transport of blood specimens are crucial for the accuracy of laboratory tests. The green-top tube for ammonia testing, shipped in an icy water mixture, is the only option that follows the correct protocol for specimen handling and transport.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The flavor of the glucose solution is not a relevant factor to document during a glucose tolerance test. The flavor does not affect the test outcome and is not a required piece of information for the test's validity or interpretation.
Choice B reason:
Documenting the time the glucose load was completed is crucial. The glucose tolerance test is time-sensitive, and blood samples are taken at specific intervals after the glucose solution is ingested. Accurate timing ensures that the results are valid and that any changes in blood glucose levels are correctly attributed to the patient's metabolic response to the glucose load.
Choice C reason:
While the amount of water ingested during the procedure may be noted for patient comfort, it is not typically a required piece of documentation. The focus of the glucose tolerance test is on the patient's response to the glucose solution, not on the volume of water consumed.
Choice D reason:
The volume of blood obtained during the procedure is generally standardized based on the test requirements and does not need to be documented each time. The phlebotomist must ensure that enough blood is collected for the analysis, but the exact volume is determined by the collection tubes used, which are designed to draw a specific volume.
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