Blood Tube Procurement Best Practices

Article

Apr 7

When it comes to blood tube procurement, it is important to follow best practices to ensure the quality and integrity of the blood samples collected. Whether you are a healthcare provider, phlebotomist, or laboratory technician, following these best practices will help ensure accurate test results and patient safety.

Proper Selection of Blood Tubes

One of the first steps in blood tube procurement is selecting the right tubes for the tests being performed. Different tests require different types of tubes, each containing specific additives to preserve the integrity of the blood sample. Some common types of blood tubes include:

EDTA tubes for hematology tests
SST tubes for chemistry tests
Heparin tubes for coagulation tests

It is important to properly label each tube with the patient's information and the type of test being performed to avoid mix-ups and ensure accurate results.

Proper Patient Identification

Before drawing blood from a patient, it is crucial to properly identify the patient to ensure that the blood samples are correctly labeled and tracked. Using at least two patient identifiers, such as name and date of birth, helps prevent errors and mix-ups in the laboratory. In addition, it is important to verify the patient's identity before and after drawing blood to ensure accuracy.

Proper Blood Collection Technique

Another important aspect of blood tube procurement is using proper blood collection techniques to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure accurate test results. Some key tips for proper blood collection include:

Choosing the appropriate site for venipuncture
Properly cleaning the site with an antiseptic solution
Allowing the alcohol to dry before inserting the needle
Using a needle with the appropriate gauge for the patient's vein size

Following these best practices can help minimize patient discomfort and ensure the quality and integrity of the blood samples collected.

Proper Handling and Storage of Blood Tubes

Once blood tubes have been collected, it is important to handle and store them properly to maintain the integrity of the samples. Some key considerations for handling and storing blood tubes include:

Keeping the tubes upright to prevent mixing of additives
Properly sealing the tubes to prevent leaks
Storing the tubes at the appropriate temperature to preserve sample integrity

Following these best practices can help ensure accurate test results and prevent sample contamination.

Proper Transport of Blood Samples

When transporting blood samples from the collection site to the laboratory, it is important to follow proper transport procedures to prevent sample deterioration and ensure timely processing. Some key tips for proper transport of blood samples include:

Using a biohazard bag to contain the samples
Keeping the samples at the appropriate temperature during transport
Ensuring that the samples are properly labeled with the patient's information and the type of test being performed

Following these best practices can help ensure the safety and integrity of the blood samples during transport.

Conclusion

Following best practices for blood tube procurement is essential for ensuring accurate test results, patient safety, and sample integrity. By properly selecting blood tubes, identifying patients, using proper collection techniques, handling and storing blood tubes correctly, and following proper transport procedures, healthcare providers can help ensure that the blood samples collected are of the highest quality. By following these best practices, healthcare providers can help improve the quality of care provided to their patients and minimize the risk of errors in the laboratory.

For more information on blood tube procurement best practices, please visit the following links:

LabCorp Test Menu

Mayo Clinic Labs Test Catalog

Quest Diagnostics

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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.