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Oct 1, 2026Additives, Anticoagulants, and Contamination: Protecting Specimen Integrity
Additives, Anticoagulants, and Contamination: Protecting Specimen Integrity is a 1- CE course that provides laboratory professionals with an overview of how collection tubes, additives, blood volume, order of draw, and collection technique can affect specimen quality and laboratory results. The course reviews the functions of EDTA, heparin, and sodium citrate and explains the importance of maintaining appropriate blood to additive relationships.
Learners will also explore common sources of specimen contamination, including additive carryover, IV fluids, medications, and vascular access devices. Through case studies and examples, participants will learn to recognize result patterns that may suggest pre-analytical problems and apply a structured approach to specimen investigation and recollection according to established laboratory procedures.
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What You’ll Learn?
Course Syllabus
Welcome!
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Accreditation Statement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
The Tube Is Part of the Specimen
Additive Concentration Matters
Serum, Plasma, and Whole Blood
Why This Matters to Laboratory Professionals
EDTA and Hematology
Heparin
Sodium Citrate And Coagulation Testing
Order of Draw
Contamination Sources
Collection From IV Lines
Recognizing A Suspicious Result
Case Study 1: High Potassium and Low Calcium
Case Study 2: Underfilled Citrate Tube
Case Study 3: Specimen From an IV Line
Case Study 4: Multiple Unexpectedly Low Results
Specimen Integrity Checklist
Conclusion
References
Post-Test
Certification
Choose from a list of project topics or create your own project idea that incorporates all skills learned (e.g., a mini-banking system, personal expense tracker, or inventory manager).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Tieso is a laboratory educator who loves helping laboratory professionals continue to learn, grow, and explore the ever-evolving world of laboratory science! With teaching experience in phlebotomy, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS) programs, Dr. Tieso brings a mix of knowledge, real-world experience, and enthusiasm to continuing education. As an ASCP-certified professional licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Tieso understands the importance of quality, accuracy, and a little curiosity in the lab!
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