Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Exam with multiple choice questions and study guides. Each question offers explanations to enhance your understanding. Get set for your certification journey!

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What type of blood test is most commonly associated with a lavender tube top?

Basic Metabolic Panel
Complete Blood Count
Coagulation Studies
Lipid Panel

The correct answer is: Complete Blood Count

The correct answer is a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which is most commonly associated with a lavender tube top. The lavender, or purple, top tube typically contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. This is particularly important for a CBC because the test measures various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The presence of EDTA ensures that the blood sample remains in a liquid state, allowing accurate counting and characterization of these cells. In contrast, tests such as the Basic Metabolic Panel, Coagulation Studies, and Lipid Panel utilize different types of tubes, each containing specific additives suited for their respective tests. For example, the Basic Metabolic Panel often uses a serum separator tube, while coagulation studies typically require citrated tubes that are usually blue in color. The distinction in tube color and type of additive emphasizes the importance of proper specimen collection and handling for accurate test results.