Proper Handling Procedures for Blood Collection Tubes with Additives: Importance, Order of Draw, and Additive Purposes
Summary
- Follow proper handling procedures for blood collection tubes with additives
- Ensure correct order of draw when using multiple tubes
- Understand the purpose of each additive in the tubes and how they affect Test Results
Introduction
Using blood collection tubes with additives is a common practice in the medical field for obtaining blood samples for testing. These tubes contain various additives that help preserve the integrity of the sample and ensure accurate Test Results. It is important to follow specific practices when using these tubes to avoid contamination or incorrect Test Results.
Proper Handling Procedures
When using blood collection tubes with additives, it is essential to follow proper handling procedures to ensure the integrity of the sample. This includes:
- Checking the expiration date of the tubes before use
- Inspecting the tubes for any signs of damage or contamination
- Properly mixing the tube to ensure thorough mixing of the additive with the blood sample
- Keeping the tubes at the appropriate temperature to prevent sample degradation
Correct Order of Draw
When collecting blood samples using multiple tubes with additives, it is crucial to follow the correct order of draw. This helps prevent Cross-Contamination between samples and ensures accurate Test Results. The recommended order of draw is:
- Yellow (ACD) tubes for blood cultures
- Light blue (Sodium Citrate) tubes for coagulation studies
- Red (No Additive) or Gold (SST) tubes for chemistry and serology tests
- Green (Heparin) tubes for plasma determinations
- Lavender (EDTA) tubes for hematology tests
Purpose of Additives
Each additive in blood collection tubes serves a specific purpose and is essential for accurate Test Results. Understanding the purpose of each additive can help ensure proper handling and processing of the samples. The most common additives used in blood collection tubes include:
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate is an Anticoagulant used in light blue tubes for coagulation studies. It prevents blood clotting by binding to calcium ions, allowing for accurate measurement of clotting factors.
Heparin
Heparin is an Anticoagulant used in green tubes for plasma determinations. It inhibits thrombin formation and prevents blood clotting, allowing for accurate measurement of plasma components.
EDTA
EDTA is an Anticoagulant used in lavender tubes for hematology tests. It binds to calcium ions and prevents blood clotting, allowing for accurate measurement of blood cell counts and morphology.
ACD
ACD (acid-citrate-dextrose) is an Anticoagulant used in yellow tubes for blood cultures. It reduces acidity, prevents blood clotting, and preserves the integrity of the sample for microbiological analysis.
Conclusion
Proper handling of blood collection tubes with additives is crucial for obtaining accurate Test Results. By following specific practices such as proper mixing, correct order of draw, and understanding the purpose of each additive, healthcare professionals can ensure the integrity of the sample and provide accurate diagnostic information for patients.
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