Question

Recall Sylvia Gonzales from the beginning of the chapter. Now that you have completed the chapter, answer the following questions regarding her case.

What blood tube(s) would you fill to collect a specimen for the CBC and lytes? Which tube would you fill first?

Answer 1

For cbc use :- Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube which prevents clotting of blood by chelating calcium which has a PURPLE cap.

For electrolytes use :- serum tubes or plain tubes which are commonly gold in colour but also red in colour. Greiner tube is red in colour which do not contain any additive.

Serum tubes have silica particles which acclerate clotting. Some also have gel to seperate serum.

Serum tubes should be filled first as first few ml of blood is activated which can interfere with haematological findings.