Suppose a Phlebotomist Returns to the Laboratory with a Heparin

Multiple Choice

Suppose a phlebotomist returns to the laboratory with a heparin tube that is less than one-third full after patient collection.Given that the heparin anticoagulant is in liquid form, which of the following steps should be taken?

A) Order a recollect.
B) Analyze the sample as it was received, as long as there are no visible clots.
C) Dilute the sample to full volume, mix for 15 minutes, and analyze as normal, multiplying the final result of the analysis by a factor of 3.
D) Perform manual measurements for the analyte of interest.