A Phlebotomist Finishes Collecting a Sample for a Complete Blood

Multiple Choice

A phlebotomist finishes collecting a sample for a complete blood count (CBC) from a newborn using a heelstick collection and a microtainer containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) . Assume the sample is collected exactly according to procedures established by the laboratory. As he or she is leaving the nursery, the child's nurse asks if a calcium draw may be added on-to be done from the same specimen already collected. The phlebotomist does not wish to subject the newborn to another collection, so he or she adds the calcium on to the tests already on the requisition. This action will result in which of the following outcomes?

A) An increased calcium result
B) An increased white cell count in the CBC
C) A decreased calcium result
D) A decreased hemoglobin level in the CBC