High School

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps for a fingerstick?

1) EDTA, heparin, spin down in capillary tube, measure packed RBCs to total volume

2) Spin down in capillary tube, measure packed RBCs to total volume, EDTA, heparin

3) Measure packed RBCs to total volume, EDTA, heparin, spin down in capillary tube

4) Heparin, spin down in capillary tube, measure packed RBCs to total volume, EDTA

Answer :

Final answer:

The correct sequence for a fingerstick procedure to measure packed RBCs involves using an anticoagulant like heparin, centrifuging the sample to separate blood components, and then measuring the volume of RBCs, with the sequence being: heparin, centrifugation, measurement, EDTA. The correct option is 4) Heparin, Spin down in capillary tube, Measure packed RBCs to total volume, EDTA.

Explanation:

The correct sequence of steps for a fingerstick procedure to measure the packed red blood cells (RBCs) involves first preparing the blood sample with anticoagulants, such as heparin or EDTA, to prevent clotting. Following this, the sample is centrifuged to separate the components of the blood. The heavier elements, including the RBCs, settle at the bottom, allowing for the measurement of the packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit, which is the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. Given the importance of preventing blood clotting for accurate measurement and the need to separate the blood components through centrifugation before measurement, the correct sequence in the provided options is: heparin, Spin down in capillary tube, Measure packed RBCs to total volume, EDTA.