Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Medical Assistant Certification Test. Explore multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Enhance your skills and get exam-ready!

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Why is it important to mix blood collected in a lavender tube immediately after drawing?

To prevent clotting of the sample
To ensure accurate volume measurement
To facilitate proper labeling
To enhance color stabilization

The correct answer is: To prevent clotting of the sample

Mixing blood collected in a lavender tube immediately after drawing is crucial because it prevents coagulation of the sample. The lavender tube typically contains an anticoagulant, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which is used to preserve the blood sample for hematological tests. If the blood is not mixed right away, the anticoagulant may not effectively interact with the blood, leading to the formation of clots. These clots can interfere with laboratory analyses, resulting in inaccurate test results. Therefore, immediate mixing ensures that the anticoagulant works properly to keep the blood sample in a liquid state, making it suitable for testing.