According to laboratory policy, specimens collected need to yield 2.5 times the amount of sample needed to perform the test. If a chemistry test requires 0.5mL of serum, which of the following tubes is the smallest that can be used?

To determine the smallest tube that can be used for collecting a specimen when 2.5 times the amount of the required sample is needed, we first calculate the necessary volume. Since the chemistry test requires 0.5 mL of serum, 2.5 times this amount is 1.25 mL.

Now, reviewing the tube sizes mentioned, the 1-mL red top tube cannot accommodate the required 1.25 mL, as it is smaller than the calculated volume. The 2-mL green top tube provides enough capacity to hold the 1.25 mL needed, but it might not be the optimal choice as it requires more volume than strictly necessary and is not the smallest tube meeting the requirement.

The 3-mL red top tube is adequate because it exceeds the 1.25 mL minimum volume needed, making it a suitable choice for this requirement. Furthermore, it provides extra capacity should there be the need for additional testing or if the drawn volume has any discrepancies.

In contrast, the 4-mL blue top tube is also suitable; however, choosing this larger capacity may be inefficient and unnecessary when a smaller tube that meets the minimum requirement is available. Therefore, the 3-m