Choose the correct statement regarding proper specimen collection for coagulation testing from the following choices:
A) The tube needed for coagulation testing should always be the first tube drawn
B) It is acceptable to fill the sodium citrate tube halfway in a polycythemic patient for coagulation testing
C) When drawing blood from a catheter, care must be taken to avoid heparin contamination
D) Butterfly needles should never be used when drawing coagulation tubes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When drawing blood from a catheter, care must be taken to avoid heparin contamination. Heparin can interfere with coagulation testing and lead to inaccurate results. It is important to discard the first few mLs of blood when drawing from a catheter to avoid heparin contamination. Option A is incorrect because coagulation tubes should be drawn after other blood tubes. Option B is incorrect because the sodium citrate tube should be filled to the stated volume regardless of the patient's hematocrit level. Option D is incorrect because butterfly needles can be used for coagulation testing as long as they are the appropriate gauge and length.

Choose the Correct Statement Regarding Proper Specimen Collection for Coagulation