When to Collect a Discard Tube Before a Protime INR

Introduction

A protime INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for your blood to clot. It is used to monitor people who are taking warfarin, a medication that prevents blood clots. When collecting blood for a protime INR, it is sometimes necessary to collect a discard tube before collecting the light blue tube that is used for the actual test.

When to Collect a Discard Tube

There are two situations in which you should collect a discard tube before collecting a light blue tube for a protime INR:

• When the patient has not had their blood drawn for a protime INR within the past 24 hours. This is because the blood in the first tube may be contaminated with tissue fluid, which can affect the results of the test.
• When the patient has had a blood transfusion within the past 48 hours. This is because the blood in the first tube may be contaminated with the donor’s blood, which can also affect the results of the test.

How to Collect a Discard Tube

To collect a discard tube, follow these steps:

1. Clean the patient’s finger with an alcohol swab.
2. Prick the patient’s finger with a lancet.
3. Collect the first drop of blood into a discard tube.
4. Discard the discard tube.
5. Collect the second drop of blood into a light blue tube.
6. Send the light blue tube to the laboratory for testing.

Conclusion

Collecting a discard tube before collecting a light blue tube for a protime INR is important in certain situations to ensure accurate results. By following the steps outlined above, you can help ensure that the patient’s blood sample is not contaminated and that the test results are reliable.

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