Final answer:
Arterial blood gas results may be erroneous if the blood sample is allowed to clot. During an hour's wait in a glass tube, the blood clots and fibrin strands form, separating serum from blood cells for further analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is concerning an arterial blood gas test, which can provide erroneous results if mishandled. Specifically, if the blood sample is allowed to clot, it will not give accurate diagnostic information. When a lab technician collects a blood sample into a glass tube and allows it to sit for about an hour, typically, the blood clots and the serum separates from the clotted cells. The serum, which is the liquid portion of blood without cells or clotting factors, can then be used for further blood analysis. During the clotting process in the tube, fibrin strands are formed and trap blood cells, effectively removing them from the serum. The remaining fluid is what the lab technician harvests for further analysis. This process is crucial to obtain accurate measurements from the serum, such as for biochemical profiles or serological testing.