Final answer:
In evacuated blood collection systems, the stoppers of glass tubes are color-coded to identify the type of additive or its absence, which is crucial for selecting the right tube for specific tests. the correct answer is a) Color-coded.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stoppers of evacuated blood collection tubes in a phlebotomy kit are color-coded to denote the type of additive or the lack thereof. This color-coding system is essential for medical professionals to quickly identify the correct tube for a specific test or procedure.
Each color corresponds to a different additive or purpose. For example, a red stopper generally indicates a tube with no additive, which is used for serum tests. Tubes with purple stoppers usually contain EDTA, an anticoagulant, making them suitable for whole blood tests. Correctly using these tubes ensures that blood samples are handled and processed accurately, which is crucial for obtaining reliable test results.
The color-coding system is standardized across the industry, so medical professionals can work with these tubes efficiently and reduce the likelihood of errors during blood collection and testing. This aspect of a blood collection system is just one example of how careful design can improve patient care and the accuracy of medical diagnoses.