Common Additives in Blood Tubes: Applications and Importance in Hospital Supply Chain

Written By Natalie Brooks, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Blood tubes are commonly used in hospitals for various Diagnostic Tests and procedures.
  • Some of the most common additives in blood tubes include anticoagulants, clot activators, and gel separators.
  • These additives help preserve the integrity of the blood sample and ensure accurate Test Results.

When patients go to the hospital for blood tests, the samples are collected in blood tubes that contain various additives. These additives serve specific purposes in preserving the integrity of the blood sample and ensuring accurate Test Results. In this article, we will explore the most common additives found in blood tubes and their applications in hospital supply and equipment management in the United States.

Anticoagulants

One of the most common additives found in blood tubes is anticoagulants. These substances prevent the blood from clotting, allowing for the collection of a liquid blood sample. There are several types of anticoagulants used in blood tubes, including:

  1. Heparin: Heparin is a natural Anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the activity of clotting factors in the blood. It is commonly used in blood tubes for hematology and chemistry tests.
  2. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid): EDTA is a synthetic Anticoagulant that binds to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots. It is often used in blood tubes for blood cell counts and DNA testing.
  3. Citrate: Citrate is another Anticoagulant that works by binding to calcium ions. It is commonly used in blood tubes for coagulation studies and blood bank testing.

Applications of Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants are essential additives in blood tubes for various Diagnostic Tests and procedures. Some common applications of anticoagulants include:

  1. Hematology: Anticoagulants are used in blood tubes for hematology tests, such as complete blood counts and Blood Smears.
  2. Chemistry: Anticoagulants are also used in blood tubes for chemistry tests, such as glucose and electrolyte levels.
  3. Coagulation studies: Citrate is commonly used in blood tubes for coagulation studies to assess the clotting function of the blood.
  4. Blood bank testing: Citrate is also used in blood tubes for blood bank testing, such as crossmatching and antibody screening.

Clot Activators

Another common additive found in blood tubes is clot activators. These substances promote the rapid clotting of blood, allowing for the separation of serum from the blood cells. Some common types of clot activators include:

  1. Silica: Silica particles activate the clotting process by adsorbing clotting factors in the blood. They are commonly used in blood tubes for chemistry tests.
  2. Glass particles: Glass particles also activate the clotting process by providing a surface for clotting factors to adhere to. They are often used in blood tubes for serum testing.

Applications of Clot Activators

Clot activators play a crucial role in blood tubes for separating serum from the blood cells. Some common applications of clot activators include:

  1. Chemistry: Clot activators are used in blood tubes for chemistry tests that require serum samples, such as liver function tests and lipid profiles.
  2. Serum testing: Clot activators are essential for separating serum from the blood cells for various tests, including hormone assays and drug monitoring.

Gel Separators

In addition to anticoagulants and clot activators, some blood tubes contain gel separators. These gel substances form a barrier between the serum and blood cells, allowing for easier separation during the centrifugation process. Gel separators help prevent contamination of the serum sample and ensure accurate Test Results.

Applications of Gel Separators

Gel separators are commonly used in blood tubes for tests that require serum samples. Some applications of gel separators include:

  1. Chemistry: Gel separators are used in blood tubes for chemistry tests that require serum samples, such as cholesterol and glucose testing.
  2. Immunology: Gel separators are also used in blood tubes for immunology tests, such as autoimmune disease screening and infectious disease testing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, blood tubes with additives play a critical role in hospital supply and equipment management in the United States. Anticoagulants, clot activators, and gel separators help preserve the integrity of blood samples and ensure accurate Test Results for various Diagnostic Tests and procedures. Understanding the most common additives in blood tubes and their applications is essential for healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

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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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