Which combination correctly matches White top tube additive and its common test application?

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Multiple Choice

Which combination correctly matches White top tube additive and its common test application?

White-top tubes designed for molecular diagnostics use an additive that preserves nucleic acids and a barrier that helps keep cellular components from contaminating the sample. The combination of K2EDTA with a Gel accomplishes this: EDTA chelates calcium and other divalent cations, inhibiting nucleases and helping stabilize DNA (and RNA), while the Gel acts as a physical barrier to separate components during transport and processing. This makes the tube well-suited for downstream molecular tests such as PCR. The other options align with tests that don’t require this nucleic-acid preservation and separation approach: fluoride/oxalate tubes are for glucose testing, EDTA alone is not used for coagulation studies, and lithium heparin tubes are typically used for chemistry panels.

White-top tubes designed for molecular diagnostics use an additive that preserves nucleic acids and a barrier that helps keep cellular components from contaminating the sample. The combination of K2EDTA with a Gel accomplishes this: EDTA chelates calcium and other divalent cations, inhibiting nucleases and helping stabilize DNA (and RNA), while the Gel acts as a physical barrier to separate components during transport and processing. This makes the tube well-suited for downstream molecular tests such as PCR. The other options align with tests that don’t require this nucleic-acid preservation and separation approach: fluoride/oxalate tubes are for glucose testing, EDTA alone is not used for coagulation studies, and lithium heparin tubes are typically used for chemistry panels.

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