How many times should a light blue topped tube be inverted after filling?

The appropriate answer to how many times a light blue topped tube should be inverted after filling is based on the specific type of additive contained within the tube. Light blue topped tubes typically contain sodium citrate, which is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood from clotting during the testing process.

Inverting the tube correctly after filling is crucial for ensuring that the additive is adequately mixed with the blood specimen. The recommended practice is to invert the light blue tube three to four times. This allows for thorough mixing without causing hemolysis or damaging the red blood cells, which can occur if the tube is shaken too vigorously.

Inverting the tube within the specified range helps maintain the integrity of the specimen and ensures accurate test results, particularly for coagulation studies. This process is part of standard laboratory protocol and is important for any phlebotomy procedure involving tubes with anticoagulants.