ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Success!

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What can happen if too much blood is added to a sodium citrate tube?

Longer clotting time

Shorter clotting time

When too much blood is added to a sodium citrate tube, it can lead to a shorter clotting time. Sodium citrate acts as an anticoagulant by binding to calcium ions, which are essential for the clotting process. Each tube is designed to maintain a specific ratio of blood to anticoagulant to ensure accurate test results.

When excess blood dilutes the anticoagulant beyond its effective concentration, the balance is disrupted. This dilution may impair the sodium citrate's ability to adequately bind to calcium, which can inadvertently allow some clotting to occur. As a result, the coagulation profile may be altered, leading to a shorter time for the sample to form a clot. In order to provide consistent and reliable test results, maintaining the correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant is crucial.

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No effect on clotting time

Causes the sample to be unusable

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