Phlebotomy Technician Practice Exam (NCPT/CPT)

What should be drawn first in the order of collection in a capillary draw?

1. Serum

2. Plasma

3. Blood gases

4. EDTA

The correct answer is: Blood gases

In a capillary draw, blood gases should be drawn first in the order of collection. This is because blood gases are highly sensitive and any delay in the collection process could lead to inaccurate results. Serum and plasma, on the other hand, can be drawn after blood gases because they are more stable and less affected by the delay in collection. EDTA is typically used for other tests and is not the recommended first draw in a capillary collection.