American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

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What color tube is used for coagulation testing?

Red Top
Light Blue Top
Green Top
Yellow Top

The correct answer is: Light Blue Top

The light blue top tube is specifically designed for coagulation testing, as it contains sodium citrate, an anticoagulant that helps preserve the integrity of clotting factors in the blood sample. This is essential for accurate coagulation studies, which require the blood to remain in a liquid state without clotting. Sodium citrate works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are necessary for the clotting process. By preventing clot formation, the light blue top tube ensures that laboratory tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) can be performed with precise results. Other tubes, such as the red top, green top, or yellow top, are not suitable for coagulation testing due to their different additives or lack of anticoagulants. These tubes may be used for other types of tests, but they do not maintain the necessary conditions for reliable coagulation assessment.