The Processing of a Sample in a Lavender Top Tube

Multiple Choice

The processing of a sample in a lavender top tube received in the lab at 10a.m.is delayed because of a sudden fire drill.The sample is processed and analyzed at 2 p.m.Significant findings on this patient include an absolute neutrophil count of 1.5 × 10⁹/L.What can be concluded from this?

A) The patient is suffering from a neutropenia that needs to be investigated.
B) The delay in testing resulted in a false neutropenia.
C) The patient has pseudoneutropenia because of time of day the sample was drawn.
D) There is not enough information to draw an accurate conclusion.