A culture and sensitivity test is sent to which of the following divisions of a clinical laboratory?

Choice A reason:
Expired tubes may lose their vacuum, which is necessary to draw the correct volume of blood into the tube. The vacuum in blood collection tubes ensures that the correct amount of blood is drawn. If the vacuum is lost, the blood will not be drawn into the tube properly, which can lead to underfilling and affect the test results.

Choice B reason:
Hemoconcentration refers to an increase in the concentration of cells and solids in the blood, usually because of a loss of plasma. While this can occur due to prolonged tourniquet application or dehydration, it is not directly caused by the use of expired tubes.

Choice C reason:
Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells, which can release hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. It can be caused by physical damage, such as from a needle during blood draw, but is not a consequence of using expired tubes. However, if an expired tube causes improper blood draw due to loss of vacuum, it could indirectly lead to hemolysis due to multiple attempts to draw blood.

Choice D reason:
An elevation of the red blood cell count would not be directly caused by using expired tubes. The red blood cell count is determined by the body's production and destruction of red blood cells, not by the collection method or equipment used.

Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider about the error is an important step, but it does not correct the error in the patient's chart. Communication with the provider ensures that they are aware of the mistake and can make informed decisions regarding patient care. However, the physical correction of the documentation is also necessary to maintain accurate medical records.

Choice B Reason:
Asking an administrator to erase the error is not a recommended practice. Erasing or using correction fluid can make the chart appear tampered with, which can have legal implications. It is essential that the original entry remains visible to preserve the integrity of the medical record.

Choice C Reason:
Striking a line through the error and initialing is the correct method for correcting a written error in a patient's chart¹². This approach allows the original entry to remain legible, which is crucial for legal and clinical reasons. It also shows that the correction was made by an authorized individual, as the initials indicate who made the change.

Choice D Reason:
Erasing the error and entering the correct information is not an acceptable practice for the same reasons as choice B. It is important not to remove or conceal the original entry, as this could be considered falsifying medical records.