Final answer:
Discard the cracked glass collection tube safely and replace it with a new one. After an hour of collecting a blood sample, the serum separates from the clot, ready for analysis. Use personal protective equipment and safe handling methods for broken glass.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you discover a cracked glass collection tube while preparing to collect a blood sample, you must immediately discard it following proper safety protocols. The integrity of the collection device is crucial for the accuracy of the test and for safety reasons, as using a cracked tube could lead to contamination of the sample or injury.
During the hour after a blood sample is collected into a glass tube, the blood typically clots, and the serum, which is the liquid part of the blood that can be used for various medical analyses, separates from the clotted cells. This process is often aided by centrifugation.
Always remember to use personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles, and handle broken glass with proper tools like a dustpan and broom to avoid injury.