Answer :
To prevent clotting in the capillary tube, the respiratory therapist should gently invert the tube eight to 10 times. Option [A] is the answer.
Option [A] is the answer. Inverting the tube gently allows for thorough mixing of the blood specimen with the anticoagulant heparin, which is crucial for preventing clot formation. This technique ensures even distribution of heparin throughout the sample, inhibiting coagulation and maintaining the integrity of the blood specimen for accurate analysis. By gently swirling the tube, the respiratory therapist facilitates the interaction between blood and heparin without causing hemolysis or other sample artifacts.
It's important for respiratory therapists to follow proper procedures to handle blood specimens and anticoagulants to ensure accurate diagnostic results. Incorrect handling techniques, such as shaking the tube vigorously or using inappropriate methods like inserting metal fleas and moving a magnet along the tube, can lead to sample hemolysis or clot formation, compromising the reliability of laboratory tests. Option [A] is the answer.
