How many times should an EDTA tube be inverted after blood collection?
5 to 7
2 to 4
1 to 3
8 to 10
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Inverting the tube 5 to 7 times may not be sufficient to mix the blood thoroughly with the EDTA. This could lead to partial clotting and potentially inaccurate test results. The EDTA anticoagulant works by binding calcium ions, which are necessary for blood clotting. Without adequate mixing, the EDTA may not be evenly distributed, leaving some areas of the blood sample able to clot.
Choice B Reason:
Inverting the tube only 2 to 4 times is inadequate for proper mixing. This minimal agitation would likely result in clot formation because the anticoagulant would not be sufficiently mixed with the blood. Clots can interfere with the accuracy of hematological tests by trapping cells and altering the specimen's composition.
Choice C Reason:
Inverting the tube 1 to 3 times is clearly insufficient and would almost certainly lead to clotting. The purpose of inverting the tube is to ensure that the EDTA coats all the blood cells, preventing coagulation. Such a low number of inversions would not allow for the anticoagulant to perform its function effectively.
Choice D Reason:
Inverting the tube 8 to 10 times is the recommended practice. This number of inversions ensures that the blood is fully mixed with the EDTA, preventing clot formation and preserving the integrity of the sample for accurate laboratory analysis. It is important to perform these inversions gently to avoid hemolysis, which can also affect test results. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are damaged and their contents leak out, which can happen if the blood is shaken too vigorously.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Collecting stool directly into a sterile container is not related to providing a sputum specimen. Stool samples are collected for different types of tests, such as fecal occult blood tests or microbiological cultures, and are not used for respiratory assessments.
Choice B reason:
Discarding the first urine of the day and collecting for 24 hours is a procedure for a 24-hour urine collection test, which is used to assess kidney function and other conditions. This process is unrelated to sputum specimen collection, which is used to evaluate respiratory infections or conditions.
Choice C reason:
Aggressively swabbing the inside of the cheek is a method used to collect cells for DNA testing or to check for oral infections. This action does not pertain to sputum collection, which requires a sample from the lower respiratory tract.
Choice D reason:
Taking a deep breath and then expectorating (coughing up and spitting out) is the correct method for providing a sputum specimen. This technique ensures that the sputum comes from deep within the lungs, which is necessary for accurate analysis of respiratory pathogens or cells.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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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