Interview Questions and Answers

Different types of test tubes are used for different tests and contain various chemicals such as anticoagulants, preservatives, and clot activators.

• Purple top tube (EDTA) - used for complete blood count (CBC)

• Red top tube (no additive) - used for serum tests

• Green top tube (heparin) - used for plasma tests

• Gray top tube (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) - used for glucose testing

• Yellow top tube (ACD) - used for DNA testing

• Blue top tube (sodium citrate) - used for coagulation t...read more

There are two types of blood culture bottles: aerobic and anaerobic.

• Aerobic bottles contain oxygen and are used to culture bacteria that require oxygen to grow.

• Anaerobic bottles do not contain oxygen and are used to culture bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow.

• Both types of bottles are used together to increase the chances of detecting bacterial growth.

• The bottles may also contain additives to enhance bacterial growth or to neutralize antibiotics in the blood sample.

• Pr...read more

The order of drop for sample collection is important to ensure accurate results.

• Start with blood cultures to avoid contamination

• Follow with coagulation tubes, then serum tubes, then heparin tubes, and finally EDTA tubes

• If collecting from a central line, discard the first 5 mL to avoid dilution with saline

• Mix each tube gently after collection to prevent clotting or hemolysis

There are multiple types of tubes used in phlebotomy for different purposes.

• There are tubes with additives for blood tests such as serum separator tubes, EDTA tubes, and heparin tubes.

• Plain tubes without additives are also used for certain tests.

• Blood culture bottles are used for culturing bacteria.

• Coagulation tubes are used for testing blood clotting factors.

• There are also specialized tubes for DNA testing and drug testing.

• The color of the tube top indicates the type of addi...read more

Normal values of tests are the range of values that are considered healthy for a particular test.

• Normal values vary depending on the test being performed.

• Normal values are usually provided by the laboratory conducting the test.

• Abnormal values may indicate a medical condition or disease.

• Examples of tests with normal values include blood glucose, cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels.