Special CollectionsDifficulty 3/5
Why does the test plan require calculating volume requirements for pediatric and geriatric patients?
- ATo avoid causing illness in the patient through the volume collected
- BTo ensure the laboratory receives the maximum volume each tube allows
- CTo determine which closure colour the collection tube should carry
- DTo establish how many tube inversions the specimen will require
Show answer and rationale
Correct: A. Task 4E states the purpose directly: calculate or look up volume requirements in patients at higher risk to avoid illness caused by the collection. Pediatric volume calculation has its own knowledge statement at k83.
- B — Maximising volume is the opposite of the concern for an at-risk patient.
- C — Tube selection follows the test ordered, not the patient's age.
- D — Inversion counts come from the tube manufacturer and are unrelated to patient volume.