A doctor has ordered a test for serum bilirubin. The patient goes to a pathologist who collects his blood. The pathlogist should collect this blood in a test tube containing

Options

A. Anti-coagulant sodium citrate
B. Anti-coagulant double oxalate
C. Anti - coagulant fluorides
D. No anti-coagulant

Answer

To determine the appropriate test tube for collecting blood for a serum bilirubin test, we need to consider the nature of the test and the requirements for accurate measurement of bilirubin levels. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Test
- Serum bilirubin tests are primarily used to assess liver function and diagnose conditions such as jaundice. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin and is processed by the liver.

**Hint:** Remember that bilirubin levels can indicate liver health, so the collection method must preserve the sample's integrity.

### Step 2: Identify the Role of Anticoagulants
- Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting. Different tests require different anticoagulants depending on the analysis being performed.

**Hint:** Consider how clotting might affect the measurement of substances in the blood.

### Step 3: Analyze the Options for Anticoagulants
- The options provided include:
1. Sodium Citrate
2. Double Oxalate
3. Fluoride
4. No anticoagulant

- **Sodium Citrate** is typically used for coagulation tests.
- **Double Oxalate** is used for glucose or lactate tests.
- **Fluoride** is often used in hematology studies.

**Hint:** Think about which anticoagulant is suitable for tests that do not involve coagulation.

### Step 4: Determine the Correct Choice
- For serum bilirubin tests, it is essential to avoid any anticoagulant that might interfere with bilirubin measurement. Therefore, the correct choice is to use a test tube with **no anticoagulant**.

**Hint:** Consider why having no anticoagulant is crucial for accurately measuring bilirubin levels.

### Conclusion
The pathologist should collect the blood in a test tube containing **no anticoagulant** to ensure that the serum bilirubin levels can be accurately measured without interference from clotting factors.