In the order of collection for capillary draws, which sample should be drawn first?

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Multiple Choice

In the order of collection for capillary draws, which sample should be drawn first?

Explanation:
In capillary collection, tests that are most sensitive to contamination and handling go first. Blood gas measurements are highly labile; pH, pCO2, and pO2 can change quickly if the blood is exposed to air, mixes with tissue fluids, or spends time outside ideal conditions. Drawing the gas sample first into a heparinized container and handling it promptly preserves accurate gas values. After that, other tests such as serum or EDTA can be collected, since they tolerate a bit more time and aren’t as immediately affected by the collection conditions. A peripheral blood smear requires only a fresh drop of blood and isn’t dependent on the same rapid handling as gas analysis, so it isn’t prioritized over the gas sample.

In capillary collection, tests that are most sensitive to contamination and handling go first. Blood gas measurements are highly labile; pH, pCO2, and pO2 can change quickly if the blood is exposed to air, mixes with tissue fluids, or spends time outside ideal conditions. Drawing the gas sample first into a heparinized container and handling it promptly preserves accurate gas values. After that, other tests such as serum or EDTA can be collected, since they tolerate a bit more time and aren’t as immediately affected by the collection conditions. A peripheral blood smear requires only a fresh drop of blood and isn’t dependent on the same rapid handling as gas analysis, so it isn’t prioritized over the gas sample.

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