NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to collect a blood specimen for a STAT chemistry panel. Which of the following tubes should the technician select?
- ALight blue top
- BRed top
- CLavender top
- DGreen top
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Green top
A green top tube contains heparin, which acts as an anticoagulant and allows for plasma separation immediately after centrifugation, providing quick results for STAT chemistry tests without waiting for clot formation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Light blue tops are for coagulation studies and are not typically used for STAT chemistry.
- B. Red top tubes collect serum, which requires a clotting time (approx. 20-30 minutes) before centrifugation, making them unsuitable for STAT requests.
- C. Lavender tops contain EDTA and are primarily for hematology (CBC), not general chemistry.
STAT Chemistry Tube
For STAT (immediately needed) chemistry tests, a green top tube containing heparin is preferred because it allows for rapid plasma separation, providing results faster than serum tubes.
- Heparin prevents blood clotting
- Plasma can be separated immediately
- Faster turnaround time for critical results
- Commonly used for electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, glucose
Memory trick: For STAT 'Speed', think 'Green' for 'Go'.