NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Specimens collected in serum separator tubes are most often sent to which department?

1. Blood bank

2. Serology

3. Chemistry

4. Hematology

The correct answer is: Chemistry

Specimens collected in serum separator tubes are primarily intended for use in the chemistry department. The serum separator tube contains a gel that allows for the separation of serum from cells after centrifugation, making it specifically suited for analyzing a wide variety of chemical constituents in the blood. This analysis can include tests for electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, and other substances critical for diagnosing various conditions. The use of serum separator tubes means that the serum collected can be easily tested without further processing, streamlining workflows in the chemistry department. This efficiency, combined with the broad range of tests typically performed in chemistry, solidifies the association between serum separator tubes and the chemistry department. Other departments like blood bank, serology, and hematology may use different types of tubes or processes suited for their specific testing requirements, which are tailored to blood typing, antibody detection, or cell analysis, respectively.