Blood Sample Processing in Light Green Top Tubes vs. Dark Green Top Tubes: Key Differences and Requirements
Summary
Light Green Top tubes contain Heparin as an anticoagulant, while Dark Green Top tubes contain sodium Heparin.
When processing blood samples in Light Green Top tubes, the plasma must be separated within two hours of collection to prevent clotting.
Dark Green Top tubes are used for testing blood chemistry, and the separation of plasma from the cells can be done within 24 hours of collection.
Introduction
Processing blood samples is an essential step in laboratory testing to ensure accurate and reliable results. Different types of tubes are used for collecting blood samples, each containing specific additives to prevent clotting. Two common types of tubes used in blood collection are Light Green Top tubes and Dark Green Top tubes. In this article, we will explore how blood samples are processed differently between these two types of tubes.
Light Green Top Tubes
Light Green Top tubes, also known as lithium Heparin tubes, contain lithium Heparin as an anticoagulant. This additive prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting the coagulation cascade. When collecting blood samples in Light Green Top tubes, it is essential to mix the tube gently to ensure proper mixing of the Heparin with the blood. Failure to mix the tube adequately can result in improper anticoagulation, leading to clot formation.
Processing of Blood Samples in Light Green Top Tubes
After collecting the blood sample in a Light Green Top tube, the tube must be inverted 8-10 times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant.
The plasma must be separated from the cells within two hours of collection to prevent clotting. This can be done by centrifuging the tube at a specified speed and duration to separate the components.
Once the plasma is separated, it can be transferred to a separate tube for further testing or analysis. The plasma is stable for up to 24 hours when stored at room temperature or up to four days when refrigerated.
The remaining cells in the Light Green Top tube can be used for additional testing, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or other hematological tests.
Dark Green Top Tubes
Dark Green Top tubes, also known as sodium Heparin tubes, contain sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant. Sodium Heparin works in a similar manner to lithium Heparin by inhibiting clotting factors in the blood. However, the use of sodium Heparin in Dark Green Top tubes allows for different processing requirements compared to Light Green Top tubes.
Processing of Blood Samples in Dark Green Top Tubes
When using Dark Green Top tubes for blood collection, the tube must be gently inverted several times to ensure proper mixing of the sodium Heparin with the blood.
The separation of plasma from the cells in Dark Green Top tubes can be done within 24 hours of collection. This extended time frame for processing allows for more flexibility in laboratory workflows.
After centrifugation to separate the plasma, the plasma can be used for testing blood chemistry, such as glucose, electrolytes, and liver function tests.
Similar to Light Green Top tubes, the remaining cells can be used for additional testing as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood samples collected in Light Green Top tubes and Dark Green Top tubes are processed differently due to the specific additives contained in each type of tube. Light Green Top tubes with lithium Heparin require plasma separation within two hours to prevent clotting, while Dark Green Top tubes with sodium Heparin allow for plasma separation within 24 hours. Understanding the processing requirements for each type of tube is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable laboratory Test Results.
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