Sometimes they take 4 vials, sometimes they can take up to 13 or so. Why is that? Is it **only** because they run different tests on different vials or they also compare stuff to make sure samples are not compromised?
In: 4
So there’s a few reasons for needing extra vials, they all come down to what the different tests are and practicalities of running them.
– some tests need different vials because the vials have different other substances to add to the blood in preparation for different tests (blood count and clotting studies require specific tubes)
– some tests require different preparation conditions – may need to be done faster, spun immediately etc.
– some tests will be done if different locations, so need a dedicated vials for transport
– some tests need quite a lot of blood, or are more accurate with more blood
– some tests are run in batches and need some blood left over in case they need to be run again (some low likelihood things might get run in lots of 10 to reduce costs, but if it turns up a positive they need to individually test each of the 10 – this was common early on for covid testing when rates were low).
– they give themselves a little spare – in case a test fails, something is dropped or lost etc. This also allows your doc to add tests on after the fact – if your blood count is off, they might add on an iron test even though they didn’t plan on doing it at first.
This may not be complete, I’ve done blood collecting but not worked the lab end before.
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