The Importance of Proper Order of Draw in Phlebotomy
Summary
- Understanding the correct order of draw is crucial for accurate blood samples collection in healthcare settings
- Following the proper order of draw helps prevent sample contamination and ensures reliable Test Results
- Phlebotomists must adhere to the established guidelines to maintain the integrity of the samples and provide quality patient care
The Importance of Proper Order of Draw in Phlebotomy
Phlebotomy is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves the collection of blood samples for diagnostic testing. A phlebotomist's primary responsibility is to draw blood safely and efficiently while ensuring patient comfort and maintaining the integrity of the samples. One essential aspect of phlebotomy that is often overlooked is the correct order of draw.
What is the Order of Draw?
The order of draw refers to the sequence in which multiple blood samples should be collected during a phlebotomy procedure. Following the correct order of draw is vital to prevent Cross-Contamination between samples and ensure accurate Test Results. Each blood collection tube contains different additives that may interfere with the results of subsequent tubes if drawn out of order.
Why is the Order of Draw Important?
Proper adherence to the order of draw is essential for the following reasons:
- Prevents sample contamination: Collecting blood samples in the correct order reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring accurate Test Results.
- Ensures reliable Test Results: Following the established order of draw minimizes the chances of additive carryover, which could affect the accuracy of laboratory tests.
- Promotes patient safety: Adhering to the correct order of draw demonstrates professionalism and a commitment to patient care in healthcare settings.
The Correct Order of Draw for Collecting Blood Samples
Phlebotomists in the United States typically follow a standardized order of draw to ensure the accuracy of laboratory Test Results. The correct order of draw for collecting multiple blood samples during a phlebotomy procedure is as follows:
1. Blood Cultures
Blood cultures are typically collected first to reduce the risk of contamination with skin flora, which could affect the results of other tests.
2. Light Blue (Sodium Citrate) Tubes
Sodium Citrate tubes are used for coagulation tests, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT).
3. Serum Tubes (Red/Gold/Marble Top)
Serum tubes are used for chemistry tests, including basic metabolic panels (BMP) and liver function tests.
4. Heparin Tubes (Green/Leads to be separated from serum tubes)
Heparin tubes are typically used for plasma determinations in chemistry testing.
5. EDTA Tubes (Lavender/Pink Top)
EDTA tubes are used for hematology tests, such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) and blood banking.
6. Glycolytic Inhibitor Tubes (Grey Top)
Grey top tubes are used for glucose testing, as the additive inhibits glycolysis to prevent glucose breakdown.
7. Fluoride (Gray/Yellow Top)
Fluoride tubes are used for glucose testing, as the preservative inhibits enzymatic activity to maintain glucose stability.
Conclusion
Understanding and following the correct order of draw is essential for phlebotomists to collect blood samples effectively and ensure the accuracy of laboratory Test Results. By adhering to established guidelines, phlebotomists can prevent sample contamination, maintain the integrity of the samples, and provide quality patient care in healthcare settings.
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