Blood Collection Tubes For Infectious Disease Testing

Article

Apr 7

When it comes to testing for infectious diseases, the type of blood collection tube used can make a significant difference in the accuracy of the results. Different tubes are designed to preserve and stabilize different components of blood, which can affect the reliability of the test. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of using the right blood collection tubes for infectious disease testing.

Understanding the Different Types of Blood Collection Tubes

There are several different types of blood collection tubes that are commonly used in healthcare settings. Each type is color-coded to indicate its specific use and the additives it contains. Here are some of the most commonly used blood collection tubes and their purposes:

1. Serum Separator Tubes (SST)

Serum separator tubes contain a gel separator that separates the serum from the clot after the blood has been centrifuged. These tubes are used for tests that require serum, such as infectious disease testing, hormone testing, and cholesterol testing.

2. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Tubes

EDTA tubes contain the anticoagulant EDTA, which prevents blood clotting by chelating calcium. These tubes are used for tests that require whole blood, such as complete blood count (CBC) testing and blood typing.

3. Sodium Citrate Tubes

Sodium citrate tubes contain the anticoagulant sodium citrate, which prevents blood clotting by binding calcium. These tubes are used for tests that require plasma, such as coagulation studies and thrombophilia testing.

The Impact of Using the Wrong Blood Collection Tubes

Using the wrong blood collection tubes for infectious disease testing can have serious consequences. If the tubes do not contain the proper additives or if the blood is not collected in the correct order, the test results may be inaccurate or inconclusive. Here are some potential issues that can arise from using the wrong blood collection tubes:

1. Hemolysis

If the wrong type of blood collection tube is used, it can cause hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells. Hemolysis can release potassium and other intracellular components into the serum or plasma, leading to inaccurate test results.

2. Contamination

Using the wrong blood collection tube can also lead to contamination of the sample. For example, if an EDTA tube is used instead of an SST tube, the anticoagulant in the EDTA tube can interfere with the test results and lead to false positives or false negatives.

3. Clotting

If the blood is not collected in the correct order or if the wrong type of tube is used, it can cause the blood to clot prematurely. Clotting can make it difficult to obtain a sample or can interfere with the test results, leading to inaccurate readings.

Best Practices for Blood Collection for Infectious Disease Testing

To ensure accurate and reliable test results, healthcare providers should follow best practices for blood collection for infectious disease testing. Here are some tips to keep in mind when collecting blood samples:

1. Use the Correct Tubes

It is important to use the correct blood collection tubes for the specific test being performed. Make sure to check the color-coding of the tubes and verify that they contain the appropriate additives for the test.

2. Follow Proper Collection Techniques

Follow proper collection techniques, such as cleaning the skin with an alcohol swab before collecting the blood sample, using a tourniquet to help locate a vein, and collecting the appropriate amount of blood for the test being performed.

3. Label Tubes Accurately

Label each blood collection tube accurately with the patient's information, including their name, date of birth, and medical record number. This will help prevent mix-ups and ensure that the samples are properly identified.

Conclusion

Using the right blood collection tubes for infectious disease testing is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. By following best practices for blood collection and using the correct tubes, healthcare providers can ensure that the test results are valid and can make informed decisions about patient care.

For more information about blood collection tubes and infectious disease testing, please visit CDC, Mayo Clinic, and LabCorp.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.