Author Question: A patient has a hematocrit of 65. Which of the following is true related to coagulation testing? ... (Read 23 times)

maegan_martin · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient has a hematocrit of 65. Which of the following is true related to coagulation testing?

a. Hematocrit does not affect coagulation testing.
b. Tube must be recollected with heparin as the anticoagulant.
c. Tube must be recollected using 0.34 mL of sodium citrate to 4.5 mL of blood.
d. Tube must be recollected using 0.62 mL of sodium citrate to 4.5 mL of blood.

Question 2

Which of the following is acceptable practice regarding collection of blood when using a syringe and winged needle set?

a. Blood can be transferred to evacuated tubes once the phlebotomist returns to the laboratory.
b. Evacuated tubes must be placed in a rack when filling.
c. The first 20 mL collected must be discarded.
d. The evacuated tube stopper is removed, and blood is squirted into the tube using a 24-gauge needle.

tashiedavis420 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The plasma volume is relatively low in a patient who has a high hematocrit. This unacceptably raises the anticoagulant-to-plasma ratio, invalidating test results that become falsely prolonged. When the hematocrit is greater than 55, the volume of citrate must be decreased to optimize the anticoagulant-to-plasma ratio. Blood is not collected in heparin for coagulation tests.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Evacuated tubes must be placed in a rack when filling to prevent needle sticks to the phlebotomist. Blood is transferred to the evacuated tubes at the patient's bedside using a 19- gauge needle. The specimen is allowed to flow gently down the side of the tube, not using force, which can cause hemolysis. No blood needs to be discarded when using this technique.