Common Types of Additives in Venous Blood Collection Tubes: Anticoagulants, Separation Gels, and Polymer Additives
Summary
- Anticoagulants are commonly used additives in venous blood collection tubes to prevent blood clotting and preserve the integrity of samples.
- Separation gels or additives are used to separate serum from whole blood, allowing for accurate laboratory analysis.
- Polymer additives are utilized in blood collection tubes to improve sample stability and reduce the risk of contamination during transportation and storage.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing, transfusions, research, or donation. One essential component of this process is the use of venous blood collection tubes, which contain various additives to preserve the quality and integrity of blood samples. In this article, we will explore the common types of additives used in venous blood collection tubes within the field of phlebotomy.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are substances added to venous blood collection tubes to prevent blood clotting, which can alter the results of laboratory tests. These additives help maintain the liquid state of blood and preserve the cellular components for accurate analysis. The most common types of anticoagulants used in phlebotomy include:
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to calcium ions in the blood, preventing coagulation by inhibiting the activity of clotting factors. It is commonly used in lavender-topped tubes for hematology tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC) and Blood Smears.
Heparin
Heparin is a naturally occurring Anticoagulant that works by inhibiting thrombin, a key enzyme in the blood clotting cascade. There are two main types of Heparin used in venous blood collection tubes:
- Heparin Lithium: This form of Heparin is used in green-topped tubes for chemistry tests, such as electrolyte panels and liver function tests.
- Heparin Sodium: This type of Heparin is used in light blue-topped tubes for coagulation tests, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
Citrate
Citrate is a reversible Anticoagulant that binds to calcium ions and prevents blood clotting by interrupting the coagulation cascade. It is commonly used in light blue-topped tubes for coagulation studies, such as clotting factor assays and Thrombin Time tests.
Separation Gels
Separation gels or additives are used in venous blood collection tubes to separate serum from whole blood, allowing for accurate laboratory analysis of serum chemistry tests. These gels create a physical barrier between the serum and the clot, preventing the release of cellular contents that can interfere with Test Results. The most common types of separation gels used in phlebotomy include:
Silica Gel
Silica gel is a porous substance that forms a barrier between the serum and the clot, allowing for easy separation of the two components after centrifugation. It is commonly used in serum separator tubes (SST) for chemistry tests, such as glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes.
Polymer Gel
Polymer gels consist of synthetic materials that create a physical barrier between the serum and the clot, ensuring clean separation during centrifugation. These gels are often used in serum separator tubes (SST) for a wide range of chemistry tests, including renal function tests and cardiac markers.
Polymer Additives
Polymer additives are used in venous blood collection tubes to improve sample stability, reduce the risk of contamination, and enhance the reliability of Test Results. These additives work by forming a protective barrier between the blood components and the tube walls, preventing the release of substances that may affect the integrity of the sample. The most common types of polymer additives used in phlebotomy include:
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a synthetic polymer that is commonly used as a tube material or additive to improve the stability of blood samples during transportation and storage. It is resistant to breakage, leakage, and chemical reactions, making it ideal for long-term sample preservation in clinical laboratories.
Surfactants
Surfactants are surface-active agents that are added to blood collection tubes to reduce surface tension, prevent clot formation, and improve sample mixing. These additives help maintain sample homogeneity and prevent clotting during transport, ensuring accurate Test Results for a wide range of laboratory tests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, venous blood collection tubes play a crucial role in phlebotomy by preserving the quality and integrity of blood samples for diagnostic testing. By understanding the common types of additives used in these tubes, phlebotomists can ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory analyses. Anticoagulants, separation gels, and polymer additives are essential components that help maintain the liquid state of blood, facilitate serum separation, and improve sample stability. By utilizing these additives effectively, healthcare professionals can provide patients with accurate and timely diagnostic information to support their treatment and care.
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