Blood Collection Tubes in US Hospitals: Types, Uses, and Importance of Proper Identification and Labeling

Written By Natalie Brooks, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Blood collection tubes are essential supplies in hospitals for obtaining blood samples for various laboratory tests.
  • The most commonly used blood collection tubes in US hospitals include Red Top tubes for chemistry tests, Lavender Top tubes for hematology tests, and green top tubes for plasma tests.
  • Proper identification and labeling of blood collection tubes are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety.

    • Blood Collection Tubes in US Hospitals

    Managing hospital supplies and equipment is crucial in ensuring the efficient operation of healthcare facilities. Among the essential supplies in hospitals are blood collection tubes, which are used for obtaining blood samples for various laboratory tests. Different types of blood collection tubes are used for specific test types to ensure accurate and reliable results. In the United States, certain blood collection tubes are commonly used in hospitals for specific test types. Let's explore the most commonly used blood collection tubes in US hospitals and their respective uses.

    Red Top Tubes

    One of the most commonly used blood collection tubes in US hospitals is the Red Top tube. Red Top tubes are typically used for chemistry tests, which include tests for glucose, cholesterol, liver function, kidney function, and other blood chemistry tests. The Red Top tube contains no additives and is used to obtain serum samples for various chemistry tests.

    1. Chemistry tests
    2. Glucose test
    3. Cholesterol test
    4. Liver function test
    5. Kidney function test

    Lavender Top Tubes

    Lavender Top tubes are another commonly used blood collection tube in US hospitals. Lavender Top tubes are typically used for hematology tests, which include tests for complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other blood cell-related tests. The Lavender Top tube contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as an anticoagulant, which helps prevent blood clotting by binding calcium ions.

    1. Hematology tests
    2. Complete blood count (CBC)
    3. Hemoglobin
    4. Hematocrit
    5. Blood cell-related tests

    Green Top Tubes

    Green top tubes, also known as Heparin tubes, are commonly used in US hospitals for plasma tests. Green top tubes contain lithium Heparin as an anticoagulant, which helps prevent blood clotting by inhibiting thrombin. Plasma tests measure various analytes in the plasma, such as electrolytes, blood gases, and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.

    1. Plasma tests
    2. Electrolytes
    3. Blood gases
    4. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

    Other Types of Blood Collection Tubes

    In addition to Red Top, Lavender Top, and green top tubes, there are other types of blood collection tubes used in US hospitals for specific test types:

    1. Gray top tubes: Used for glucose tolerance tests and lactic acid tests.
    2. Blue top tubes: Used for coagulation tests, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
    3. Yellow top tubes: Used for Blood Culture tests to detect bacterial infections.

    Importance of Proper Identification and Labeling

    Proper identification and labeling of blood collection tubes are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety in US hospitals. Each blood collection tube is color-coded to indicate the additives or anticoagulants present in the tube and the type of tests it is intended for. It is essential for Healthcare Providers to correctly identify and label blood collection tubes to prevent errors in sample collection and processing.

    Incorrect labeling or mixing up of blood collection tubes can lead to misinterpretation of Test Results, which may result in incorrect diagnoses and treatment decisions. In addition, mislabeling of blood collection tubes can pose a significant risk to patient safety, as patients may receive inappropriate treatment based on inaccurate Test Results. Therefore, Healthcare Providers must follow standard protocols for labeling blood collection tubes and ensure proper identification during sample collection and processing.

    Conclusion

    Managing hospital supplies and equipment, including blood collection tubes, is essential for the efficient operation of healthcare facilities in the United States. Understanding the most commonly used blood collection tubes in US hospitals for specific test types is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory Test Results. Proper identification and labeling of blood collection tubes are essential to prevent errors in sample collection and processing, thereby safeguarding patient safety and improving healthcare outcomes.

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Natalie Brooks, BS, CPT

Natalie Brooks is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Florida. With 8 years of experience working in both clinical and research settings, Natalie has become highly skilled in blood collection techniques, particularly in high-volume environments. She is committed to ensuring that blood draws are conducted with the utmost care and precision, contributing to better patient outcomes.

Natalie frequently writes about the latest advancements in phlebotomy tools, strategies for improving blood collection efficiency, and tips for phlebotomists on dealing with difficult draws. Passionate about sharing her expertise, she also mentors new phlebotomists, helping them navigate the challenges of the field and promoting best practices for patient comfort and safety.

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