Which vacutainer (blood collection tube) is used for CBC because it best maintains cell morphology?

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Question restatement: Which vacutainer (blood collection tube) is used for CBC because it best maintains cell morphology?

Given answer: Purple top.

Step-by-step analysis:
- The purple (lavender) top vacutainer contains EDTA, which chelates calcium and prevents blood from clotting. This preserves intact blood cells, making it ideal for complete blood count (CBC) and maintaining cell morphology for accurate cell enumeration and morphology assessment.
- Why EDTA is preferred for CBC: EDTA preserves cellular integrity and minimizes cellular changes that could occur with clotting or continued metabolic activity. This stability is crucial when counting white and red blood cells and analyzing their morphology under a microscope or via automated counters.
- What about other common tops, and why they are not optimal for CBC morphology:
  - Blue top (sodium citrate): Primarily used for coagulation studies (reference plasma for coag tests) because it preserves coagulation factors, not for routine CBC morphology.
  - Red top (no additive) or Serum tubes: Allow clotting and yield serum; cells are consumed in clot formation and morphology is not preserved for CBC.
  - Green top (heparin): Used for some chemistry and plasma tests; while it can preserve cells briefly, it can interfere with certain CBC parameters and is not the standard for routine morphology-focused CBC testing.
  - Gray top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride or others): Used for glucose testing or certain molecular tests; not intended for CBC morphology.
- Summary rationale: For CBC with intact morphology, an EDTA-containing tube (purple/lavender top) is the standard choice because it prevents coagulation while preserving cell structure, which is essential for accurate CBC results.
- If you were to encounter alternative prompts asking which tube is 'best for CBC morphology,' the key cue is the EDTA-containing purple/lavender top and its role in maintaining cellular integrity for differential counts and morphological assessment.

VT122 (Assignment) Post Lab Activity: Clinical Pathology I & II - DUE 1/27 BY MIDNIGHT

Which vacutainer (blood collection tube) is used for CBC because it best maintains cell morphology?

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