Tube Additives In Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients for various medical tests, transfusions, or donations. It is a crucial part of healthcare as the blood drawn provides valuable information about a patient's health status. One important aspect of phlebotomy is the use of tube additives, which play a significant role in preserving the integrity of the blood sample and ensuring accurate test results. In this article, we will explore the different types of tube additives used in phlebotomy and their functions.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are substances added to blood collection tubes to prevent clotting and preserve the liquid state of the blood. Clotting can alter the composition of the blood sample and lead to inaccurate test results. There are several types of anticoagulants used in phlebotomy, including:
Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA): EDTA is a common anticoagulant that works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are necessary for the clotting process. EDTA is used for tests that require whole blood samples, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing.
Heparin: Heparin is another anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood. It is often used for tests that require plasma samples, such as coagulation studies and glucose tests. Heparin comes in different forms, including lithium heparin and sodium heparin.
Sodium citrate: Sodium citrate is a citric acid derivative that binds to calcium ions and prevents clotting. It is commonly used for tests that require plasma samples, such as coagulation studies and blood culture tests.
Serum Separators
Serum separators are gel-like substances added to blood collection tubes to create a physical barrier between the serum and the blood cells. After centrifugation, the gel forms a barrier that separates the serum (the liquid part of the blood) from the cells. This allows for easy extraction of the serum for testing while preventing contamination from the blood cells. Serum separators are commonly used in tests that require serum samples, such as liver function tests and hormone assays.
Preservatives
Preservatives are substances added to blood collection tubes to prevent degradation of certain analytes in the blood sample. These analytes may be sensitive to temperature changes or enzymatic activity, which can affect the accuracy of test results. Common preservatives used in phlebotomy include:
Sodium fluoride: Sodium fluoride is a preservative that inhibits the activity of enzymes that break down glucose in the blood. It is commonly used for glucose tests to prevent the loss of glucose over time.
Glycolytic inhibitors: Glycolytic inhibitors are substances that inhibit the glycolysis process, which can lead to a decrease in glucose levels in the blood sample. These inhibitors help preserve the integrity of glucose samples for accurate testing.
Conclusion
Tube additives play a crucial role in phlebotomy by preserving the integrity of blood samples and ensuring accurate test results. By understanding the functions of different tube additives, healthcare professionals can select the appropriate tubes for specific tests and procedures. It is essential to follow proper phlebotomy techniques and protocols to maintain the quality of blood samples and provide reliable test results for patient care.
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