Specimen Collection And Specimen

Question 1

Before any specimen can be taken

Answer 1

The patient’s identity must be confirmed

Question 2

Red top vacutainer

Answer 2

Additive – none

Laboratory uses – serum testing of lipids, hormones, drug screening, liver function and urea.

Question 3

Green top vacutainer

Answer 3

Additive – lithium heparin. This activates antithrombin III, neutralizing thrombin
preventing fibrin formation.
Laboratory uses – electrolytes, urea, creatinine, hormones.

Question 4

Lavender top vacutainer

Answer 4

Additive – ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA). A chelating agent that binds Ca2+
Laboratory uses – hormones, lipid profile, HbA1c

Question 5

• Grey top vacutainer

Answer 5

Additive – potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride. Potassium oxalates chelates calcium while Sodium
fluoride inhibits enolase, acting as an antiglycolytic agent.

Laboratory uses – glucose, lactate

Question 6

Pink top vacutainer

Answer 6

Laboratory uses – HbA1c

Additive – EDTA

Question 7

Sodium Iodoacetate is an effective

Answer 7

Effective anti-glycolysis agent

Question 8

Sodium citrate functions

Answer 8

Chelates calcium

Inhibits amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase

Question 9

Untimed urine is useful

Answer 9

Qualitative analysis of d urine

Question 10

Timed urine is useful for

Answer 10

Quantitative analysis of your urine

Question 11

Early morning urine in a fasting specimen is

Answer 11

The most concentrated specimen

Question 12

Urine preservatives

Answer 12

HCl 6 mol/L;
 Acetic acid 50%; • 
Na2CO3
 HNO3 6 mol/L; • 
Boric acid
 Toluene
 Thymol

Question 13

samples must be separated within

Answer 13

2hrs

Question 14

Note a 24hr urine collection must be

Answer 14

Refrigerated from the time of collection to when it is analysed

Question 15

Bilirubin and methotrexate must be

Answer 15

Protected from sunlight and fluorescent to prevent photo degradation