NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Collection RoutineMedium
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to collect a blood specimen for a bilirubin test on an infant. Which of the following actions should the technician take to protect the specimen from degradation?
- ACentrifuge the specimen within 15 minutes of collection.
- BPlace the specimen on ice immediately after collection.
- CProtect the specimen from light.
- DAllow the specimen to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Protect the specimen from light.
Bilirubin is highly sensitive to light and will degrade, leading to falsely decreased results if exposed. Protecting the specimen from light ensures accurate measurement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Centrifugation separates plasma/serum but does not protect against light degradation.
- B. Placing on ice is typically for specimens that need to slow metabolic processes, not for light protection.
- D. Clotting at room temperature is standard for some tests, but light exposure during this time would still degrade bilirubin.
Bilirubin Specimen Protection
Bilirubin is a light-sensitive analyte; specimens collected for bilirubin testing must be protected from light exposure to maintain integrity.
- Bilirubin degrades rapidly when exposed to light.
- Light exposure causes falsely decreased bilirubin levels.
- Wrap tubes in foil or use amber-colored tubes for protection.
Memory trick: Bilirubin's a baby, sunlight makes it cry (degrade)!