Medical Assistant Prep / Unit 19 MAS 464 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
What the Additives Do
The idea
Each tube's additive prepares the blood for a particular kind of test.
In practice
First, light blue tubes contain sodium citrate and are used for clotting tests, such as the prothrombin time. Second, red and gold tubes yield serum; many contain a clot activator, and gold tubes add a gel that separates serum when the tube is spun. Third, green tubes contain heparin and yield plasma for many chemistry tests. Fourth, lavender tubes contain EDTA and are used for tests such as the complete blood count and hemoglobin A one C. Fifth, gray tubes contain sodium fluoride and are used for tests such as glucose and lactate.
Where people slip
The test decides the tube. Look up each ordered test in the laboratory's catalog, rather than guessing from memory.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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