Venous Blood Collection: Types of Tubes for Different Tests

Summary

• Venous blood collection is a common procedure performed in urgent care clinics.
• The most commonly used tubes for venous blood collection include Red Top tubes, Lavender Top tubes, and green top tubes.
• Each tube is used to collect specific types of blood samples for different types of tests.

Introduction

When patients visit urgent care clinics for various medical needs, one common procedure that is often performed is venous blood collection. This process involves drawing blood from a vein in order to conduct Diagnostic Tests and screenings. In order to collect and transport blood samples properly, different types of tubes are employed based on the specific requirements of each test.

Types of Tubes Used in Venous Blood Collection

1. Red Top Tubes

Red Top tubes, also known as serum tubes, are commonly used in venous blood collection. These tubes do not contain any additives, allowing for the blood to clot and separate from the serum when centrifuged. Serum samples collected in Red Top tubes are used for various tests, including:

1. Chemistry panels
2. Liver function tests
3. Lipid panels

2. Lavender Top Tubes

Lavender Top tubes, also known as EDTA tubes, contain an Anticoagulant called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). This additive prevents blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions, making Lavender Top tubes ideal for collecting whole blood samples for tests that require plasma or hematology studies, such as:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Blood typing and crossmatching
3. Sickle cell screening

3. Green Top Tubes

Green top tubes, also known as Heparin tubes, contain lithium or sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin inhibits the clotting process by activating antithrombin III, making green top tubes suitable for collecting plasma samples for tests that require anticoagulated blood, such as:

1. Plasma glucose levels
2. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
3. Coagulation studies

Proper Handling and Storage of Blood Collection Tubes

It is essential to handle and store blood collection tubes properly to ensure accurate Test Results. Here are some important guidelines to follow:

1. Label each tube with the patient's name, date of birth, and collection date.
2. Fill each tube to the appropriate volume indicated for the specific test.
3. Store tubes at the proper temperature according to the test requirements (e.g., room temperature, refrigeration, or freezing).
4. Transport tubes to the laboratory in a timely manner to prevent sample deterioration.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of tubes used in venous blood collection is essential for Healthcare Providers working in urgent care clinics. By utilizing the appropriate tubes for specific tests, medical professionals can ensure the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic results, leading to proper patient care and treatment.

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