Types of Blood Collection Tubes: Understanding the Different Tubes for Accurate Test Results

Summary

• There are various types of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy for different tests and purposes.
• The most common types of blood collection tubes include Red Top tubes, Lavender Top tubes, and green top tubes.
• Understanding the different types of blood collection tubes is essential for ensuring accurate Test Results and proper handling of specimens.

Introduction

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients for various medical tests. Blood collection tubes are a crucial component of phlebotomy, as they are used to collect and preserve blood specimens for analysis. Different types of blood collection tubes are used for different tests, depending on the required additives and testing procedures.

Types of Blood Collection Tubes

Red Top Tubes

Red Top tubes, also known as serum tubes, are one of the most commonly used blood collection tubes in phlebotomy. These tubes do not contain any additives and are used for collecting blood samples for serum tests. The blood in Red Top tubes clots naturally, allowing for the separation of serum from the clot for testing.

1. Common tests performed using Red Top tubes include:
1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Chemistry panels
3. Glucose tests

Lavender Top Tubes

Lavender Top tubes, also known as EDTA tubes, contain the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). This additive helps prevent blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions, making it suitable for tests that require whole blood specimens. Lavender Top tubes are commonly used for hematology tests.

1. Common tests performed using Lavender Top tubes include:
1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Blood typing
3. Sickle cell screening

Green Top Tubes

Green top tubes, also known as Heparin tubes, contain the Anticoagulant Heparin, which inhibits the clotting cascade by enhancing the activity of antithrombin. These tubes are used for collecting blood samples for various tests that require plasma specimens. Green top tubes are ideal for tests that require plasma rather than serum.

1. Common tests performed using green top tubes include:
1. Prothrombin Time (PT)
2. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
3. Arterial blood gas analysis

Gray Top Tubes

Gray top tubes contain Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate additives. These additives help preserve Blood Glucose levels by inhibiting glycolysis. Gray top tubes are commonly used for glucose testing to ensure accurate and reliable results.

1. Common tests performed using gray top tubes include:
1. Glucose tolerance test
2. Diabetes monitoring
3. Hemoglobin A1c

Blue Top Tubes

Blue top tubes, also known as citrate tubes, contain Sodium Citrate as an anticoagulant. These tubes are used for coagulation tests that require plasma specimens. Sodium Citrate binds to calcium ions, preventing blood from clotting and preserving coagulation factors for accurate testing.

1. Common tests performed using blue top tubes include:
1. Prothrombin Time (PT)
2. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
3. D-dimer

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy is essential for phlebotomists and healthcare professionals to accurately collect and handle blood specimens for testing. Each type of blood collection tube serves a specific purpose and contains different additives to preserve blood specimens and ensure reliable Test Results. By using the appropriate blood collection tubes for specific tests, Healthcare Providers can ensure accurate diagnoses and proper patient care.

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