Capillary Blood Collection Tube Storage

Article

Apr 6

Capillary blood collection tubes are commonly used in healthcare settings for various tests and procedures. Proper storage of these tubes is essential to ensure accurate results and maintain the integrity of the blood samples. In this article, we will discuss the importance of capillary blood collection tube storage and provide some tips on how to store them effectively.

Importance of Proper Storage

Capillary blood collection tubes contain additives that help preserve the blood sample and stabilize certain analytes. Improper storage of these tubes can lead to degradation of the sample, resulting in inaccurate test results. Factors such as temperature, light exposure, and moisture can all affect the stability of the blood sample and the additives in the tubes.

Temperature

One of the most critical factors in capillary blood collection tube storage is temperature. The tubes should be stored at the appropriate temperature recommended by the manufacturer. Generally, most tubes should be stored at room temperature (15-30°C) to maintain the stability of the blood sample and the additives. Extreme temperatures can lead to sample degradation and compromise the integrity of the results.

Light Exposure

Light exposure can also affect the stability of the blood sample and additives in the tubes. Capillary blood collection tubes should be stored in a dark, cool place to minimize exposure to light. Direct sunlight and fluorescent light can cause photochemical reactions in the blood sample, leading to changes in analyte concentrations and inaccurate test results.

Moisture

Moisture can also impact the integrity of the blood sample in capillary blood collection tubes. It is essential to store the tubes in a dry environment to prevent moisture from affecting the additives and the sample. Humidity can cause clotting of the blood sample or promote bacterial growth, compromising the accuracy of test results.

Tips for Effective Storage

Here are some tips for storing capillary blood collection tubes effectively:

Store the tubes at room temperature in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Avoid storing the tubes in areas with high humidity or moisture, such as bathrooms or refrigerators.
Keep the tubes upright in a vertical position to prevent leakage or contamination of the blood sample.
Check the expiration date on the tubes and discard any expired or damaged tubes to ensure accurate test results.

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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.