NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

The color coding of evacuated tubes provides information about all of the following except the:

1. Volume of specimen collected.

2. Type of specimen collected.

3. Need to invert the tube.

4. Presence of an anticoagulant.

The correct answer is: Need to invert the tube.

The color coding of evacuated tubes is a standardized system used to indicate various characteristics of the tubes. Each color corresponds to specific information regarding the tube's intended use and contents. The correct choice highlights that the color coding does not convey the need to invert the tube. While some tubes do require inverting to ensure proper mixing of additives with the blood specimen, this requirement is not indicated by the color of the tube itself. Instead, manufacturers typically provide instructions regarding inversion in the packaging or accompanying documentation. Conversely, the colors do provide details about the volume of specimen collected, the type of specimen the tube is meant for (like serum or plasma), and whether an anticoagulant is present, as each color corresponds to these specific attributes. For example, red-topped tubes usually do not contain any additives, while green-topped tubes typically contain heparin, an anticoagulant. Each of these colors aids healthcare professionals in selecting the correct tube for various tests, promoting effective and accurate specimen collection and processing.