Specimen HandlingQuestion 66 of 100
A lavender tube submitted for a CBC contains visible small clots. What should happen?
a.Run the CBC and add a comment about clots
b.Filter the specimen and then run it
c.Add extra EDTA and mix again
d.Reject the specimen and recollect, because clotting invalidates cell counts
Explanation
Clots consume platelets and trap white and red cells, so counts are falsely low and the specimen must be rejected and recollected with prompt, adequate mixing. Commenting on a clotted CBC still reports unreliable numbers. Filtering removes cells that should be counted, and adding anticoagulant after the fact cannot reverse clot formation.
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