Question 66

Rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands 4 to 8 × after collection is the appropriate method to prevent clotting.

Inverting tubes by rolling them between the palms of the hands is an effective technique that allows for gentle mixing of the blood with the additive in the tube, thus preventing clot formation.

A) Shaking the tubes 4 to 8 × after collection

Shaking the tubes can introduce bubbles and may cause hemolysis, which can compromise the sample integrity. This method is not recommended as it does not facilitate proper mixing of the blood with the additives.

B) Moving the tubes in a figure-eight motion 4 to 8 × after collection

While a figure-eight motion might seem like a gentle way to mix, it is not as effective as rolling the tubes between the palms. This method could also lead to unnecessary turbulence, which may disrupt the blood components.

C) Rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands 4 to 8 × after collection

This method is widely recognized as the best practice for inverting tubes. Rolling the tubes allows for a gentle and effective mixing of the blood with the tube's additive without the risk of hemolysis or bubble formation.

D) Passing the tubes from hand to hand 4 to 8 × after collection

Passing the tubes from hand to hand does not provide adequate mixing of the blood with the additives. This method may lead to inconsistent results and does not ensure proper prevention of clotting.

Conclusion

The rolling method is the most effective for ensuring that blood samples are mixed properly with the additives, thereby preventing clotting. Options A, B, and D either fail to adequately mix the samples or could cause damage to the sample, making them less suitable than rolling the tubes between the palms of the hands.