Phlebotomy Technician Practice Exam (NCPT/CPT)

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Prepare effectively for the NCPT/CPT Phlebotomy Technician Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to excel in your exam.

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How many times should the light blue tube be inverted after collection?

3-4 times
5 times
8-10 times
12 times

The correct answer is: 8-10 times

The light blue tube, also known as a citrate tube, is used for coagulation tests which require a specific ratio of blood to anticoagulant solution. Inverting the tube mixes the blood with the anticoagulant, preventing the formation of clots and allowing an accurate test result. In this situation, it is important to invert the tube 8-10 times to ensure proper mixing. Inverting the tube less than 8 times may result in insufficient mixing, leading to inaccurate test results. Inverting the tube more than 10 times may cause hemolysis (rupturing of red blood cells) which can also affect test results. Therefore, option C is the correct answer, while options A and D have a higher risk of inaccurate test results and option B has a lower chance of complete mixing.