Guidelines For Blood Collection Tubes
When it comes to the field of healthcare, blood collection tubes play a crucial role in diagnostics and testing. It is important to understand the different types of blood collection tubes available, their uses, and proper handling procedures to ensure accurate test results. In this article, we will discuss some guidelines for blood collection tubes that every healthcare professional should be aware of.
Types of Blood Collection Tubes
There are several different types of blood collection tubes, each containing various additives that are designed for specific tests. Some common types of blood collection tubes include:
Red-Top Tubes: These tubes are used for serum testing and do not contain any additives.
Lavender-Top Tubes: These tubes are used for hematology testing and contain an anticoagulant called EDTA.
Green-Top Tubes: These tubes contain heparin and are used for testing blood chemistry.
Blue-Top Tubes: These tubes contain sodium citrate and are used for coagulation studies.
Proper Handling and Storage
It is important to handle and store blood collection tubes properly to maintain the integrity of the samples and ensure accurate test results. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Labeling Tubes
Before collecting blood samples, ensure that each tube is properly labeled with the patient's information, date, and time of collection. This helps prevent errors and mix-ups in the lab.
Order of Draw
When collecting multiple blood samples, it is important to follow the correct order of draw to prevent sample contamination. The recommended order of draw is:
Yellow (Sterile) tubes
Light Blue tubes
Red tubes
Gold or Tiger Top tubes
Light Green tubes
Dark Green tubes
Lavender tubes
Gray tubes
Proper Mixing
After blood collection, it is important to gently invert the tubes several times to mix the blood with the additives. This helps prevent clotting or separation of the blood components.
Storage Conditions
Store blood collection tubes at the recommended temperature and light conditions to prevent degradation of the samples. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper storage.
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