CPCT/A Patient Care Exam Test Prep

Answer: B - Phil may remember to arrange collection tubes in order, but he does not remember the purpose or the correct order of draws. Understanding what the color top system represents, as well as the different kinds of additives used, will aid in understanding the purpose of the order of draws. When drawing for multiple tests, collection tubes must be drawn in a specific order (determined by the colored top) to avoid cross-contamination of specimens by the additives. Additive cross-contamination may alter test results and/or result in the sample being rejected by the laboratory.