What Are Blood Collection Tube Additives
When you go to the doctor for a blood test, you may notice that the blood is collected into different colored tubes. Each of these tubes contains additives that serve specific purposes in preserving the blood sample and ensuring accurate test results. In this article, we will explore the different types of blood collection tube additives and their functions.
Anticoagulants
One of the most common additives found in blood collection tubes are anticoagulants. These substances prevent the blood from clotting, which is essential for many laboratory tests that require liquid blood samples. There are several types of anticoagulants used in blood collection tubes, including:
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the coagulation cascade from being activated.
Heparin: Heparin works by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood, such as thrombin and factor Xa.
Sodium citrate: Sodium citrate works by binding to calcium ions, preventing them from participating in the coagulation process.
Each of these anticoagulants has specific uses in different types of blood tests. For example, EDTA is often used for cell counts and DNA testing, while heparin is used for certain chemistry tests.
Preservatives
Another type of additive found in blood collection tubes are preservatives, which are used to maintain the stability of certain components in the blood sample. One common preservative is sodium fluoride, which is used to preserve glucose levels in the blood for extended periods of time.
In addition to sodium fluoride, other preservatives such as EDTA can also be used to stabilize certain components in the blood sample, such as preventing the breakdown of glucose or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Serum Separator Gel
Serum separator gel is another common additive found in blood collection tubes. This gel forms a barrier between the serum and the clot after the blood has been centrifuged, allowing for easy separation of the serum for testing. Serum separator gel tubes are often used for tests that require serum samples, such as lipid panels and hormone tests.
The gel helps to prevent the clot from interfering with the testing process and allows for a clean separation of serum from other components in the blood sample.
Conclusion
There are various types of additives used in blood collection tubes, each serving a specific purpose in preserving the blood sample and ensuring accurate test results. Anticoagulants prevent the blood from clotting, preservatives stabilize certain components in the blood, and serum separator gel allows for easy separation of serum for testing. Understanding the function of these additives is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure the reliability of laboratory test results.
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