A physician requests a complete analysis of a patient's blood composition along with a measure of their glucose levels after an overnight fast. How should the specimens be collected to meet these requirements?
A coagulant-containing tube is used for the blood composition test and a tube with a preservative for the glucose levels.
The test for blood composition should utilize a tube containing EDTA, while the glucose levels should be measured using blood drawn into an antiglycolytic agent containing tube.
Serum separator tubes should be used for the blood composition profile, and EDTA tubes would be appropriate for the fasting glucose test.
Both tests can be performed from whole blood collected in a single heparinized tube.