Choose the correct statement regarding proper specimen collection for coagulation testing from the following choices:
A)The tube needed for coagulation testing should 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 not be used when drawing coagulation tubes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When drawing blood from a catheter, it is essential to avoid heparin contamination because heparin can interfere with coagulation testing. Therefore, it is necessary to discard the first several milliliters of blood and draw an equal amount of blood using a different syringe or tube. Option A is incorrect because the tube needed for coagulation testing should be the second or third tube drawn to minimize the risk of heparin contamination, as the first few milliliters of blood may contain residual heparin from flushing the catheter. Option B is incorrect because the sodium citrate tube should always be filled to the appropriate level, regardless of the patient's hematocrit level. Option D is incorrect because butterfly needles can be used for coagulation testing, but it is essential to discard the first few milliliters of blood to avoid heparin contamination.

Choose the Correct Statement Regarding Proper Specimen Collection for Coagulation