68. A phlebotomist has orders for the following tests: CBC, chemistry panel, lead, and a toxicology screen via capillary puncture. Which of the following should be collected?
Answer: B
The phlebotomist should collect a lavender top tube.
The lavender top tube is used for collecting blood for a complete blood count (CBC) and other hematological tests, making it the appropriate choice for this scenario.
A) Red top tube
The red top tube is primarily used for serum tests and does not contain any additives that would prevent clotting. It is not suitable for tests like CBC, which require anticoagulation to preserve the blood sample.
B) Lavender top tube
The lavender top tube contains EDTA, an anticoagulant that is essential for performing a complete blood count (CBC) and is also compatible with other hematological tests. This makes it the correct choice for the tests ordered.
C) Light blue top tube
The light blue top tube is primarily used for coagulation studies and contains sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. It is not appropriate for CBC or chemistry panel tests, making it an incorrect choice for this scenario.
D) Royal blue top tube
The royal blue top tube is typically used for trace element and toxicology testing, but it is not specifically indicated for CBC or a chemistry panel. Therefore, it is not suitable for the tests ordered by the phlebotomist.
Conclusion
The lavender top tube is definitively the correct choice as it contains the necessary anticoagulant for performing a CBC, which is one of the tests ordered. All other options fail to meet the requirements of the tests requested, thereby affirming the lavender top tube as the most appropriate selection.