Types Of Veterinary Blood Collection Tubes

Article

Apr 6

When it comes to collecting blood samples from animals for laboratory testing, veterinary professionals rely on a variety of blood collection tubes. These tubes are specifically designed to preserve the integrity of the blood sample and ensure accurate test results. In this article, we will discuss the different types of veterinary blood collection tubes commonly used in veterinary medicine.

1. Serum Tubes

Serum tubes are commonly used for collecting blood samples for serum chemistry testing. These tubes contain a clot activator that helps the blood to clot quickly, allowing for the separation of serum from the blood cells. The serum can then be used for various tests, such as liver function tests, kidney function tests, and electrolyte analysis.

Some common types of serum tubes used in veterinary medicine include:

Sarstedt Serum Tubes
Greiner Bio-One Serum Tubes
VetLab Serum Tubes

2. Plasma Tubes

Plasma tubes are used for collecting blood samples for plasma chemistry testing. These tubes contain an anticoagulant, such as heparin or EDTA, which prevents the blood from clotting and allows for the separation of plasma from the blood cells. Plasma can be used for tests such as glucose, protein, and coagulation studies.

Some common types of plasma tubes used in veterinary medicine include:

Qorpak Plasma Tubes
BD Vacutainer Plasma Tubes
Fisherbrand EDTA Plasma Tubes

3. Whole Blood Tubes

Whole blood tubes are used for collecting blood samples for tests that require whole blood, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing. These tubes may contain an anticoagulant or clot activator, depending on the specific test being performed.

Some common types of whole blood tubes used in veterinary medicine include:

CDVet Collection Tubes
Qorpak Whole Blood Tubes
BD Microtainer Blood Collection Tubes

4. Specialty Tubes

In addition to the standard serum, plasma, and whole blood tubes, there are also specialty tubes designed for specific types of tests in veterinary medicine. These tubes may contain special additives or coatings to preserve the integrity of the sample for certain tests.

Some common types of specialty tubes used in veterinary medicine include:

PCR Tubes: used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Gel Separator Tubes: contain a gel barrier that separates serum or plasma from blood cells during centrifugation.
Coagulation Tubes: contain sodium citrate to preserve blood samples for coagulation studies.

By using the appropriate type of blood collection tube for each test, veterinary professionals can ensure accurate and reliable laboratory results for their patients. Understanding the different types of veterinary blood collection tubes and their uses is essential for providing quality care to animals.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.