Case Study 10-2: Venous Blood and Microtubes
Questions:
1.
Casey forgot to put something important on the labels of the microtubes. What was it, and
why is that a problem?
Casey forgot to write on the labels that the microtubes contain venous blood. That is a problem because without that information it will be assumed that the specimens were collected by capillary puncture.
2.
What effect could his forgetfulness have when the results of the electrolytes and glucose are reported? What is the reason for your answer?
The results could be interpreted incorrectly because the concentration of glucose and potassium is higher in capillary blood than in venous blood.
3.
One of the specimens is compromised even if the problem addressed by the first question did not arise. It might be compromised in another way also. Which specimen is it, and why is it compromised for certain? What is the second way that it might also be compromised?
The CBC is compromised because the tube was not filled to the required level. Excess anticoagulant in an undefiled microtube can negatively affect test results. The delay in filling and mixing the EDTA tube could also lead to micro clots that would make the specimen unsuitable for testing.
Work Cited
McCall, R. E. (2024). Phlebotomy Essentials
(eighth). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
