Handling And Storage Practices For Serum And Plasma Tubes.

Serum and plasma tubes are essential tools in the medical field for collecting blood samples for various tests and analyses. It is crucial to handle and store these tubes properly to ensure the integrity of the samples and the accuracy of the results. In this article, we will discuss best practices for handling and storing serum and plasma tubes.

Handling Practices

Proper handling of serum and plasma tubes is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results. Follow these guidelines for handling serum and plasma tubes:

1. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling serum and plasma tubes to prevent contamination.
2. Check the expiration date on the tubes before use and discard any expired tubes.
3. Inspect the tubes for any cracks or defects before use. Discard any damaged tubes.
4. Label the tubes accurately with patient information and the date and time of collection.
5. Collect the blood sample using proper aseptic technique to prevent contamination.

Storage Practices

Proper storage of serum and plasma tubes is essential to maintain the integrity of the samples. Follow these guidelines for storing serum and plasma tubes:

1. Store serum and plasma tubes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
2. Avoid storing serum and plasma tubes near sources of heat or cold, as extreme temperatures can affect the integrity of the samples.
3. Store serum and plasma tubes upright to prevent leakage and contamination of the samples.
4. Do not stack serum and plasma tubes on top of each other, as this can cause breakage and contamination.
5. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for storing serum and plasma tubes, as some tubes may require special storage conditions.

Special Considerations

There are some special considerations to keep in mind when handling and storing serum and plasma tubes for certain types of tests:

For Coagulation Tests

When collecting blood samples for coagulation tests, follow these additional guidelines:

1. Use a tube with a buffered sodium citrate solution for coagulation tests.
2. Fill the tube to the specified volume indicated on the tube to ensure accurate test results.
3. Invert the tube gently to mix the blood with the anticoagulant to prevent clotting.

For Chemistry Tests

When collecting blood samples for chemistry tests, follow these additional guidelines:

1. Use a tube with a gel separator for chemistry tests to separate the serum from the cells.
2. Allow the blood to clot for at least 30 minutes before centrifuging to ensure proper separation of the serum.
3. Centrifuge the tube at the specified speed and time recommended for the test to ensure accurate results.

Conclusion

Proper handling and storage practices for serum and plasma tubes are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, healthcare professionals can maintain the integrity of blood samples and provide patients with accurate diagnostic information.

References:

1. Potential Preanalytical Errors in the Laboratory
2. CDC - Healthcare Providers
3. CDC - Specimen Collection, Transport, and Processing

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