NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Specimen HandlingMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to transport a blood specimen that requires protection from light. Which of the following transport methods is most appropriate?
- ATransporting the specimen in a cooler with ice packs.
- BWrapping the specimen tube in aluminum foil or using an amber-colored tube.
- CPlacing the specimen in a clear plastic biohazard bag.
- DLeaving the specimen exposed on the phlebotomy tray during transport.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Wrapping the specimen tube in aluminum foil or using an amber-colored tube.
Specimens sensitive to light, such as bilirubin or vitamin B12, must be protected from photodecomposition. Wrapping in aluminum foil or using an amber-colored tube effectively blocks light exposure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Coolers with ice packs are for temperature control, not light protection.
- C. Clear bags offer no light protection and are only for biohazard containment.
- D. Exposure to light would degrade light-sensitive analytes, leading to inaccurate results.
Light-Sensitive Specimen Handling
Light-sensitive specimens, like bilirubin, must be protected from light exposure during collection, transport, and storage to prevent degradation of analytes and ensure accurate test results.
- Use amber tubes or wrap in foil.
- Minimize exposure time.
- Common analytes include bilirubin, vitamin B12, folate.
Memory trick: Light is a Foe, Foil is a Shield.