Question

A patient states she is a difficult draw and requests a skin puncture. The test ordered is a PTT. Which of the following should the phlebotomist perform?

A) A capillary draw into a light blue microtainer
B) A capillary draw into a lavender microtainer
C) A Syringe draw transferred into a lavender Vacutainer
D) A Syringe draw transferred into a light blue Vacutainer

Answer 1

For a PTT test, a syringe draw transferred into a light blue Vacutainer should be performed by the phlebotomist, even when a skin puncture is requested by the patient, due to the specific requirements of the test.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient requesting a skin puncture for a PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) test presents a challenge for a phlebotomist. PTT tests typically require venous blood due to the volume and stability of the specimen needed for accurate testing.

However, in a situation where venipuncture is exceptionally difficult, the phlebotomist should opt for D) A Syringe draw transferred into a light blue Vacutainer. The light blue Vacutainer is used for coagulation tests like the PTT and contains sodium citrate which acts as an anticoagulant. A capillary draw is not preferred for PTT due to possible tissue thromboplastins that can interfere with the results, and the volume of blood may not be sufficient for accurate testing.