Order Of Draw Blood Tubes Color Guide
When it comes to drawing blood samples, healthcare professionals must follow a specific order to ensure accurate results and patient safety. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood collection tubes should be filled during venipuncture. Each tube contains different additives or coatings to preserve the blood sample and prevent contamination. In this guide, we will discuss the order of draw for blood tubes and the corresponding tube colors.
The Importance of Following the Order of Draw
Following the correct order of draw is crucial for several reasons:
Prevents contamination: Using the wrong order can lead to additives from one tube contaminating another, causing inaccurate results.
Ensures accurate test results: Different additives in tubes can interfere with certain tests if not collected in the correct order.
Minimizes patient discomfort: Drawing blood in the correct order reduces the number of needle sticks a patient may need.
The Order of Draw
The standard order of draw for blood tubes is as follows:
Yellow or SPS tubes: Used for blood cultures to detect bacterial infections.
Light blue tubes: Contains sodium citrate and used for coagulation studies.
Red or tiger-top tubes: No additive or gel and used for chemistry tests, such as glucose and cholesterol.
Gold or SST tubes: Contains a gel separator and used for chemistry tests that require serum.
Green tubes: Contains heparin and used for plasma tests, such as electrolytes and ammonia.
Lavender tubes: Contains EDTA and used for hematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC).
Gray tubes: Contains potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride and used for glucose testing.
Tube Colors and Additives
Each blood collection tube is color-coded to identify the additives it contains and the type of tests it will be used for. Here is a brief overview of the most common tube colors and their corresponding additives:
Yellow: SPS additive for blood culture tests.
Light blue: Sodium citrate for coagulation studies.
Red: No additive or gel for chemistry tests.
Gold: Gel separator for serum chemistry tests.
Green: Heparin for plasma tests.
Lavender: EDTA for hematology tests.
Gray: Potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride for glucose testing.
Additional Tips for Proper Venipuncture
In addition to following the correct order of draw, healthcare professionals should keep the following tips in mind for successful blood collection:
Use a new needle for each venipuncture to prevent contamination.
Select the appropriate needle size based on the patient's vein size and age.
Apply a tourniquet to help locate veins but remove it before collecting blood to avoid hemoconcentration.
Label blood tubes with the patient's information immediately after collection to prevent mix-ups.
Dispose of used needles and blood tubes in designated sharps containers to prevent needle stick injuries.
Conclusion
Following the correct order of draw when collecting blood samples is essential for accurate test results and patient safety. By understanding the order in which blood tubes should be filled and the corresponding tube colors and additives, healthcare professionals can ensure quality specimens and reliable test results. Remember to always follow proper venipuncture techniques and guidelines to provide the best care for patients.
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