Phlebotomy Order of Draw procedure

Introduction

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic testing, transfusions, donations, or research. It is a critical step in the healthcare process, as blood tests are an essential tool for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. One important aspect of phlebotomy is the Order of Draw procedure, which dictates the sequence in which different types of blood tubes should be collected during a blood draw. This procedure is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of test results and maintaining patient safety.

Importance of the Order of Draw Procedure

The Order of Draw procedure is designed to prevent cross-contamination between blood samples and ensure accurate test results. Different types of blood tubes contain various additives and preservatives that can interfere with the results of certain tests if mixed together. By following a specific order when collecting blood samples, phlebotomists can minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that each sample remains viable for testing.

Key Points of the Order of Draw Procedure

1. The Order of Draw procedure helps prevent sample contamination.
2. It ensures accurate test results by maintaining sample integrity.
3. Following the correct order is essential for patient safety.

The Phlebotomy Order of Draw Procedure

When performing a blood draw, phlebotomists must follow a specific sequence for collecting blood samples into different types of tubes. The Order of Draw procedure typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Collect the Blood Cultures

The first tube to be drawn during the Order of Draw procedure is the blood culture tube. This tube is used to collect blood for microbial culture testing and must be collected before any other tubes to prevent contamination. Blood cultures are essential for diagnosing bloodstream infections and sepsis.

Step 2: Collect the Coagulation Tubes

After collecting the blood cultures, the next tubes to be drawn are the coagulation tubes, which are used for testing blood clotting factors. These tubes contain additives such as citrate or heparin and must be collected before other tubes to prevent contamination and ensure accurate test results.

Step 3: Collect the Serum Tubes

Following the coagulation tubes, serum tubes should be collected next. These tubes are used for testing various blood chemistry parameters, such as glucose, cholesterol, and liver function tests. Serum tubes typically contain a clot activator and gel separator to obtain serum for testing.

Step 4: Collect the Heparin Tubes

After the serum tubes, heparin tubes should be collected. Heparin tubes are used for testing blood chemistry parameters and typically contain lithium heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin tubes are commonly used for plasma testing and should be collected before the tubes with clot activators.

Step 5: Collect the EDTA Tubes

The last tubes to be drawn during the Order of Draw procedure are the EDTA tubes, which contain the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). These tubes are used for testing blood cell counts, blood smears, and certain chemistry tests. EDTA tubes should be the last tubes collected to prevent contamination of other tubes with EDTA.

Conclusion

The Phlebotomy Order of Draw procedure is a critical aspect of blood collection that ensures the accuracy of test results and maintains patient safety. By following the correct sequence when collecting blood samples into different types of tubes, phlebotomists can prevent cross-contamination and ensure that each sample remains viable for testing. Understanding and adhering to the Order of Draw procedure is essential for all healthcare professionals involved in phlebotomy to provide high-quality care to patients.

For more information on the Phlebotomy Order of Draw procedure, please visit LabCE, Medical Laboratory Observer, and American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on phlebotomy practices and healthcare. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.