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phlebotomy

Order of Draw (Phlebotomy Tubes)

Always tested on the CCMA

Fill blood collection tubes in the correct order.

About this skill

The CLSI order of draw: cultures first, then light blue (citrate), red (no additive), SST, green (heparin), lavender (EDTA), gray (fluoride). Correct order prevents additive carryover.

10 total steps
5 critical steps
Time limit: 3 min

What graders are watching for

  • 1
    Cultures always first (prevent contamination)
  • 2
    Light blue (citrate) before red (prevent EDTA carryover)
  • 3
    Invert each tube 5 to 10 times immediately after collection

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

  • !
    Drawing EDTA before citrate (false coagulation results)
  • !
    Under-filling the citrate tube (falsely prolonged PT/aPTT)
  • !
    Inverting tubes too vigorously (hemolysis)

Practice this skill step-by-step

The static walkthrough above is the marketing overview. The full step-by-step interactive practice (with critical-step highlighting, per-step "why this matters" rationale, and what graders watch for on each individual step) is unlocked with a subscription.

View pricingTry 10 practice questions

Related phlebotomy skills

Venipuncture (Evacuated Tube System)
Perform venipuncture using the evacuated tube system.
Capillary Puncture (Fingerstick)
Perform a capillary puncture for glucose or hemoglobin testing.