What is the additive in the Light Blue Tube Top?

Study for the MedCa Phlebotomy Technician Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to enhance learning. Ace your exam!

The additive in the light blue tube top is sodium citrate. Sodium citrate serves as an anticoagulant that chelates calcium ions in the blood, which is essential for the coagulation process. By binding to calcium, sodium citrate effectively prevents blood from clotting in the sample, making it ideal for various coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

This ability to inhibit clotting is crucial in ensuring accurate test results, as coagulation tests rely on the measurement of clotting factors in the absence of interference from clot formation. The light blue tube is specifically designed for this purpose, and the sodium citrate concentration in these tubes is typically 3.2% or 3.8%, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy