The Correct Order of Draw for Phlebotomy Procedures: Importance and Guidelines
Summary
- The correct order of draw is crucial for obtaining accurate blood specimens during phlebotomy procedures.
- Following the proper order of draw helps prevent sample contamination and ensures accurate Test Results.
- Understanding and following the correct order of draw can improve patient care and safety in healthcare settings.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic testing, transfusions, or research purposes. It is a crucial skill in the healthcare industry, as accurate blood specimens are essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of patients. One important aspect of phlebotomy is the order of draw, which refers to the sequence in which blood tubes are collected during a phlebotomy procedure. Following the correct order of draw is essential to prevent sample contamination and ensure accurate Test Results.
Importance of the Correct Order of Draw
The correct order of draw is essential for several reasons, including:
- Preventing Sample Contamination: Certain additives in blood collection tubes can interact with each other if collected out of order, leading to inaccurate Test Results.
- Ensuring Accurate Test Results: Following the proper order of draw helps ensure that each blood specimen is collected in a clean tube without any contamination, thus improving the accuracy of Test Results.
- Improving Patient Care and Safety: By following the correct order of draw, Healthcare Providers can minimize the risk of misdiagnosis or improper treatment due to inaccurate Test Results.
The Correct Order of Draw for Blood Specimens
The standard order of draw for collecting blood specimens during phlebotomy procedures in the United States is as follows:
1. Blood Cultures
Blood Culture bottles should always be drawn first to prevent contamination from additives in other tubes.
2. Light Blue (Citrate) Tubes
These tubes are used for coagulation studies and should be drawn second to prevent Cross-Contamination with other additives.
3. Serum Tubes (Red or Gold)
These tubes are used for chemistry tests and should be drawn next in the order of draw.
4. Green (Heparin) Tubes
Green tubes are used for a variety of chemistry tests and should be drawn before lavender tubes.
5. Lavender (EDTA) Tubes
Lavender tubes are used for hematology tests and should be drawn after the green tubes to prevent contamination.
6. Gray (Oxalate/Fluoride) Tubes
Gray tubes are used for glucose testing and should be drawn last in the order of draw.
Conclusion
Following the correct order of draw is essential for obtaining accurate blood specimens during phlebotomy procedures. By understanding and adhering to the proper sequence of blood tube collection, Healthcare Providers can improve patient care and safety, prevent sample contamination, and ensure accurate Test Results. It is crucial for all phlebotomists and healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about the correct order of draw and to follow it diligently in their practice.
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