Types Of Blood Collection Tubes

Blood collection tubes are a crucial tool in the field of healthcare, used for collecting and storing blood for various laboratory tests. There are several types of blood collection tubes, each designed for specific purposes. In this article, we will explore the different types of blood collection tubes commonly used in medical settings.

1. Serum Tubes

Serum tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require serum, the clear liquid portion of blood that remains after clotting. These tubes typically contain a clot activator and gel separator, which help in separating the serum from the blood cells after centrifugation. The most commonly used serum tube is the red-topped tube, also known as a serum separator tube (SST).

Characteristics of Serum Tubes:

1. Color: Red
2. Additives: Clot activator and gel separator
3. Uses: Chemistry tests, hormone tests, serology tests

For more information on serum tubes, you can visit LabCorp's tube color chart.

2. Plasma Tubes

Plasma tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require plasma, the liquid portion of blood that has not clotted. These tubes typically contain an anticoagulant, which prevents the blood from clotting during centrifugation. The most commonly used plasma tube is the purple-topped tube, also known as an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube.

Characteristics of Plasma Tubes:

1. Color: Purple
2. Additives: Anticoagulant (EDTA, citrate, heparin)
3. Uses: Hematology tests, blood typing, DNA testing

For more information on plasma tubes, you can visit BD's Vacutainer blood collection tubes.

3. Anticoagulant Tubes

Anticoagulant tubes are used for collecting blood samples that require whole blood or plasma without clotting. These tubes contain specific anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting by inhibiting the coagulation cascade. The most commonly used anticoagulant tubes include:

3.1 EDTA Tubes:

EDTA tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require whole blood or plasma with preserved cellular morphology. The K2-EDTA tube is the most commonly used EDTA tube and is identified by its lavender color.

Characteristics of EDTA Tubes:

1. Color: Lavender
2. Additives: K2-EDTA
3. Uses: Hematology tests, blood smear evaluation, DNA testing

For more information on EDTA tubes, you can visit Greiner Bio-One blood collection tubes.

3.2 Citrate Tubes:

Citrate tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require citrated plasma for coagulation studies. The most commonly used citrate tube is the light blue-topped tube, which contains trisodium citrate as an anticoagulant.

Characteristics of Citrate Tubes:

1. Color: Light Blue
2. Additives: Trisodium citrate
3. Uses: Coagulation studies, PT/INR tests, factor assays

For more information on citrate tubes, you can visit Smiths Medical blood collection tubes.

4. Serum Separator Gel Tubes

Serum separator gel tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require serum separation without the need for centrifugation. These tubes contain a gel separator that forms a barrier between the serum and the blood cells, allowing for easy separation after the tube has been centrifuged. The most commonly used serum separator gel tube is the gold-topped tube.

Characteristics of Serum Separator Gel Tubes:

1. Color: Gold
2. Additives: Clot activator and gel separator
3. Uses: Chemistry tests, hormone tests, serology tests

For more information on serum separator gel tubes, you can visit Quest Diagnostics blood collection tubes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blood collection tubes play a vital role in the accurate and efficient collection of blood samples for diagnostic testing. Understanding the different types of blood collection tubes and their uses can help healthcare professionals choose the right tube for specific tests, ensuring reliable results and optimal patient care.

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