Yellow Top Vacutainers: Additives and Common Uses in Medical Labs
Summary
- Yellow top vacutainers are commonly used for blood collection in medical labs in the United States.
- These containers typically contain additives or anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and preserve the sample for testing.
- Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) and acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD) are common additives found in yellow top vacutainers.
When you visit a medical lab for blood work, you may notice different colored vacutainers being used for collecting samples. One of the most common types is the yellow top vacutainer, which is specifically designed for certain types of blood tests. In this article, we will explore what additives or anticoagulants are typically found in yellow top vacutainers used for blood collection in a medical lab in the United States.
What are Yellow Top Vacutainers?
Yellow top vacutainers are tubes used for blood collection that contain specific additives or anticoagulants to prevent blood from clotting and preserve the sample for testing. These tubes are typically used for tests that require plasma rather than serum, as the additives in the yellow top vacutainers prevent the blood from clotting and allow for the separation of plasma from the rest of the blood components.
Common Additives in Yellow Top Vacutainers
There are several additives or anticoagulants that are commonly found in yellow top vacutainers used in medical labs in the United States. Some of the most common ones include:
Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate (SPS)
- SPS is an Anticoagulant that is commonly used in yellow top vacutainers for Blood Culture collection.
- It helps prevent blood clotting by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are essential for the coagulation process.
- SPS is effective at preserving the sample for up to 72 hours, making it ideal for transporting the sample to the lab for testing.
Acid-Citrate-Dextrose (ACD)
- ACD is another common additive found in yellow top vacutainers that is used for specific types of blood tests.
- It works by chelating calcium ions in the blood, which inhibits the clotting process and allows for the collection of plasma samples.
- ACD is often used for tests that require whole blood or plasma samples, such as Genetic Testing or blood banking.
Uses of Yellow Top Vacutainers
Yellow top vacutainers are used for a variety of blood tests that require plasma samples rather than serum. Some common tests that may require a yellow top vacutainer include:
- Blood cultures
- Genetic Testing
- Coagulation studies
- Blood banking
- RNA testing
- Immunology testing
Conclusion
Yellow top vacutainers are essential tools in medical labs for collecting blood samples that require plasma for testing. By understanding the additives and anticoagulants commonly found in yellow top vacutainers, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for their patients.
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