How can a phlebotomist distinguish whether a collection tube contains serum or plasma?
SST in the collection tube indicates plasma.
Sodium fluoride in the collection tube indicates serum.
Sodium citrate in the collection tube indicates serum.
EDTA in the collection tube indicates plasma.
None
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
SST, or Serum Separator Tube, contains a gel at the bottom to separate the blood from the serum upon centrifugation. It does not indicate plasma; rather, it is used to collect serum after the blood has clotted. The SST allows for the blood to clot and the serum to be separated for various tests that require serum instead of plasma.
Choice B Reason:
Sodium fluoride is a common additive in collection tubes that serves as a glycolysis inhibitor. It preserves glucose levels and is not specifically indicative of serum. However, it is often used in grey-top tubes, which are typically used for glucose testing and may contain plasma, not serum.
Choice C Reason:
Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant that binds calcium in the blood, preventing clotting. Tubes with sodium citrate are used to collect plasma for coagulation studies, not serum. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as sodium citrate indicates plasma, not serum.
Choice D Reason:
EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is an anticoagulant that binds calcium ions, preventing blood from clotting. Tubes with EDTA are used for collecting plasma because they prevent clotting and allow for the separation of plasma from the blood cells upon centrifugation. This is the correct choice as EDTA indicates plasma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The right antecubital fossa is not the optimal site for blood collection in this case because the presence of a shunt in the right forearm can complicate the procedure and potentially damage the shunt, which is a critical access point for dialysis treatments.
Choice B Reason:
The right hand should also be avoided for blood collection due to the shunt placement in the right forearm. Using the same arm as the shunt for venipuncture could lead to complications such as infection, clotting, or accidental damage to the shunt.
Choice C Reason:
The left antecubital fossa might seem like a viable option; however, with an IV placed in the left hand, it is generally recommended to avoid using the same limb for blood collection to prevent contamination of the sample and reduce the risk of infection at the IV site.
Choice D Reason:
Capillary collection from the left hand is the most appropriate choice in this scenario. It avoids the arm with the shunt and the IV, reducing the risk of complications. Capillary blood collection is a suitable alternative when venipuncture sites are limited, and it can provide an adequate sample for a CBC.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occult blood detection is not a process that occurs naturally after a venipuncture to control bleeding. It is a laboratory test used to detect blood in the stool that is not visible to the naked eye. This test is unrelated to the venipuncture process.
Choice B reason:
The term "Phlebotomists" refers to healthcare professionals who perform venipuncture. It is not a process but a profession. Therefore, it does not fit the context of the question regarding the control of bleeding after venipuncture.
Choice C reason:
Hematopoiesis is the process of creating new blood cells in the body and occurs in the bone marrow. While it is an ongoing process essential for replenishing the body's blood supply, it is not directly related to controlling bleeding after a venipuncture.
Choice D reason:
Hemoconcentration is a condition where the blood concentration of cells and solids is higher than normal, usually due to a loss of plasma. This can occur during venipuncture if the tourniquet is left on for too long, but it is not a process used to control bleeding.
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