Electrolytes

Question 1

Which three lab samples are collected when doing electrolyte analysis

Answer 1

Whole blood
Plasma collected in lithium heparin tubes
Serum

Question 2

Mention the predominant intracellular ions

Answer 2

Potassium
Magnesium
Negatively charged proteins
Organic phosphates

Question 3

Mention the major extracellular ions

Answer 3

Sodium
Chloride
Hydrogen carbonate

Question 4

What is the additive in a light-blue colored tube

Answer 4

3.2% sodium citrate
Prevents blood from clotting by
binding calcium

Question 5

What is the additive in a red or gold tube cap color

Answer 5

Serum tube with or without a clot activator or gel
Clot activator promotes blood clotting with glass or silica particles. Gel separates serum from cells

Question 6

What is the additive in a green tube cap color

Answer 6

Sodium or lithium heparin with or without gel
Prevents clotting by inhibiting thromboplastin and thrombin

Question 7

What is the additive in a lavender or pink tube cap color

Answer 7

Potassium EDTA
Prevents clotting by binding calcium

Question 8

What is the additive in a gray tube cap color

Answer 8

Sodium fluoride and sodium or potassium oxalate
Fluoride inhibits glycolysis and oxalate prevents clotting by precipitating calcium