What is the correct order of draw when collecting multiple tubes during a venipuncture?

Blood cultures, then gold/red (serum), then light blue (coagulation), then green (heparin), then lavender (EDTA), then gray (glycolytic inhibitor).

Which tube is always collected FIRST when blood cultures are ordered along with other tubes?

Blood culture bottles (aerobic first, then anaerobic) are always drawn first to minimize contamination risk.

When NO blood cultures are ordered, which tube is drawn first in the standard order of draw?

The light blue (sodium citrate) tube is drawn first when blood cultures are not required.

Why must the light blue (sodium citrate) tube be drawn before EDTA tubes?

EDTA contamination from a lavender tube would chelate calcium and falsely affect coagulation (PT/aPTT) results in the light blue tube.

In the order of draw, where do serum tubes (gold SST or plain red) fall relative to the light blue tube?

Serum tubes (gold SST and plain red) are drawn AFTER the light blue tube but BEFORE additive tubes such as green, lavender, and gray.

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Order of Draw – Phlebotomy Certification (NHA)

Master the correct order of draw for phlebotomy with these 20 targeted flashcards. Covering tube colors, additives, and clinical rationale, this deck prepares you for NHA certification exam questions on venipuncture sequencing and specimen integrity.

20 cards Intermediate Order of Draw Sequence Tube Colors & Additives Rationale & Contamination Prevention Special Tubes & Considerations

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Order of Draw – Phlebotomy Certification (NHA)

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