Gray Top Tubes for Glucose Testing: Plasma Sample and Sodium Fluoride Additive
Summary
- Gray top tubes are typically used for glucose testing.
- The sample collected in a gray top tube is usually plasma, which is the liquid portion of the blood that is left after the cells have been removed.
- Gray top tubes contain Sodium Fluoride as an additive to inhibit glycolysis, preventing the breakdown of glucose in the sample.
Introduction
When it comes to collecting blood samples for laboratory testing, there are different types of tubes that are used depending on the specific tests that need to be conducted. One type of tube that is commonly used is the gray top tube. In this article, we will discuss what kind of blood sample is usually collected in a gray top tube.
Gray Top Tubes for Glucose Testing
Gray top tubes are primarily used for glucose testing. Glucose testing is commonly done to monitor and diagnose conditions such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. By measuring the glucose levels in the blood, Healthcare Providers can assess a patient's overall health and make informed decisions about their treatment.
Plasma Sample
When a blood sample is collected in a gray top tube for glucose testing, the sample collected is usually plasma. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that is left after the cells have been removed. It is a clear, straw-colored fluid that makes up about 55% of total blood volume. Plasma contains various proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products, making it a valuable sample for laboratory analysis.
Sodium Fluoride as an Additive
Gray top tubes contain Sodium Fluoride as an additive. Sodium Fluoride is an Anticoagulant and a preservative that is commonly used in blood collection tubes. In the case of gray top tubes, Sodium Fluoride is added to inhibit glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose in the blood sample. By preventing glycolysis, the integrity of the glucose levels in the sample can be maintained, ensuring accurate Test Results.
Specimen Collection Process
When collecting a blood sample in a gray top tube for glucose testing, Healthcare Providers follow a specific procedure to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the sample. The steps involved in the specimen collection process may include:
- Identifying the patient and confirming their identity
- Preparing the collection site and ensuring proper hygiene
- Selecting the appropriate vein for Venipuncture
- Collecting the blood sample into the gray top tube using a needle and syringe or a vacutainer system
- Inverting the tube gently to mix the blood with the additive
- Labeling the tube with the patient's information and the date and time of collection
- Transporting the specimen to the laboratory for analysis
Conclusion
In conclusion, gray top tubes are commonly used for collecting blood samples for glucose testing. The sample collected in a gray top tube is usually plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood without the cells. Gray top tubes contain Sodium Fluoride as an additive to inhibit glycolysis and maintain the integrity of the glucose levels in the sample. By following the proper specimen collection process, Healthcare Providers can ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for glucose testing.
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