Blood Collection Tubes For Plasma Preparation

Article

Apr 5

Introduction

When it comes to collecting blood samples for plasma preparation, using the right type of blood collection tubes is crucial. These tubes are specially designed to ensure the proper separation of plasma from the other components of blood, such as red blood cells and platelets. In this article, we will discuss the different types of blood collection tubes commonly used for plasma preparation, their features, and how they work.

Types of Blood Collection Tubes

1. EDTA Tubes

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes are commonly used for collecting blood samples for plasma preparation. The EDTA acts as an anticoagulant by binding to calcium ions in the blood, preventing it from clotting. This allows for the easy separation of plasma from the other blood components. EDTA tubes are typically purple in color and come in different sizes depending on the volume of blood needed for testing.

2. Citrate Tubes

Citrate tubes are another type of blood collection tube that is often used for plasma preparation. These tubes contain sodium citrate, which acts as an anticoagulant by binding to calcium in the blood. This prevents clotting and allows for the separation of plasma. Citrate tubes are usually blue in color and come in various sizes to accommodate different blood volumes.

3. Heparin Tubes

Heparin tubes are also commonly used for plasma preparation. Heparin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the action of thrombin, a key enzyme in the clotting process. Heparin tubes are typically green in color and are available in different sizes for collecting varying blood volumes.

Features of Blood Collection Tubes

Each type of blood collection tube has its own unique features that make it suitable for plasma preparation. Some of the key features of these tubes include:

1. Anticoagulant Properties

Anticoagulants such as EDTA, citrate, and heparin are added to blood collection tubes to prevent clotting and allow for the easy separation of plasma from other blood components.

2. Vacuum Technology

Most blood collection tubes use vacuum technology to draw blood into the tube without the need for manual aspiration. This helps to ensure a precise and consistent blood sample for plasma preparation.

3. Color-Coded Stoppers

Many blood collection tubes are equipped with color-coded stoppers to indicate the type of additive present in the tube. This helps to prevent mix-ups and ensures the proper handling of the blood sample.

How Blood Collection Tubes Work

When a blood sample is collected using a blood collection tube, the anticoagulant present in the tube prevents the blood from clotting by inhibiting the action of clotting factors. The tube is then centrifuged to separate the plasma from the other blood components, which have been pushed to the bottom of the tube. The resulting plasma can then be used for various tests and analyses.

Benefits of Using the Right Blood Collection Tubes

Using the right type of blood collection tube for plasma preparation offers several benefits, including:

Accurate test results
Prevention of sample clotting
Efficient separation of plasma
Reduced risk of contamination

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate blood collection tubes for plasma preparation is essential for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of blood samples. By understanding the different types of tubes available and their features, healthcare professionals can improve the quality of blood samples collected for testing and analysis.

For more information on blood collection tubes for plasma preparation, please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific, BD, and GBO.

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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.