True or False: A collection tube can lose its vacuum if it stays on the shelf too long.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the tube
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

A collection tube's vacuum is maintained because it is sealed and evacuated during manufacturing. That vacuum stays in place while the tube is sealed and intact, so simply sitting on a shelf does not cause it to leak away. The vacuum is lost only if the stopper is pierced to draw blood or if the tube is damaged or stored improperly (extreme heat or compromised seal). Therefore, the statement is false.