Question

Which microcollection tube should be collected FIRST when performing a capillary puncture?

Select one:
a. Tube with NO additive (gold or red top)
b. Heparinized tube (green top)
c. EDTA tube (lavender top)
d. Sterile blood culture

Answer 1

The first microcollection tube to be collected during a capillary puncture is the EDTA tube (lavender top) to prevent clotting and preserve the blood sample for hematology tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

When performing a capillary puncture, the microcollection tube that should be collected first is the tube with EDTA (lavender top). The order of draw is important in capillary collections to prevent cross-contamination between tubes and to ensure the accuracy of blood test results. Lavender top tubes typically contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that binds calcium and prevents blood from clotting, which is essential for complete blood counts (CBC) and other hematology tests. Therefore, it's usually recommended to fill the EDTA tube first to ensure the integrity of the blood sample.