The Importance of Proper Order of Draw in Blood Collection

Written By Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Summary

  • Proper order of draw is essential for accurate blood collection
  • Following the recommended order can prevent sample contamination and inaccurate Test Results
  • Understanding the order of draw is crucial for healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals

Introduction

When it comes to blood collection in a medical laboratory setting, following the recommended order of draw is crucial for ensuring accurate Test Results. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which different blood tubes should be filled during Venipuncture to avoid specimen contamination and other issues that can affect the validity of laboratory tests. In the United States, healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals must adhere to specific guidelines to maintain the integrity of blood samples and provide reliable results for patients.

Why is the Order of Draw Important?

The order of draw is important for several reasons:

  1. Preventing Cross-Contamination: Using the correct order of draw helps minimize the risk of sample contamination by additives from different blood collection tubes.
  2. Ensuring accurate Test Results: Following the recommended sequence ensures that each sample is collected under optimal conditions, reducing the likelihood of inaccurate Test Results.
  3. Patient safety: Proper blood collection techniques, including the correct order of draw, help protect patients from unnecessary harm and ensure that they receive appropriate medical treatment based on reliable Test Results.

Recommended Order of Draw

In the United States, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) provides guidelines for the recommended order of draw for blood collection. While specific practices may vary slightly depending on the institution, the general order of draw is as follows:

  1. First: Blood Culture tubes - these are used to detect bloodstream infections and should be collected first to avoid contamination from other tubes.
  2. Second: Coagulation tubes - these contain additives to help with blood clotting tests.
  3. Third: Serum tubes with or without Clot Activator - these tubes are used for chemistry tests that require a serum sample.
  4. Fourth: Heparin tubes - these contain an Anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting and are commonly used for plasma tests.
  5. Fifth: EDTA tubes - these tubes contain an Anticoagulant called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and are used for hematology tests.
  6. Sixth: Glycolytic inhibitor tubes - these tubes contain an additive that helps preserve glucose levels in the blood.

Best Practices for Blood Collection

In addition to following the recommended order of draw, healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals should also adhere to best practices for blood collection to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Test Results:

  1. Properly identify the patient before collecting blood samples to prevent mix-ups and ensure that the correct results are attributed to the right individual.
  2. Follow strict aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of contamination during the Venipuncture process.
  3. Fill blood tubes to the appropriate volume to ensure that there is enough sample for all required tests.
  4. Label blood tubes accurately with the patient's information, including name, date of birth, and medical record number.
  5. Handle blood samples carefully to avoid hemolysis, which can interfere with Test Results.

Conclusion

Adhering to the recommended order of draw for blood collection is essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory tests and ensuring the accuracy of results. Healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals must follow established guidelines to prevent sample contamination and provide reliable information for patient care. By understanding the importance of the order of draw and practicing proper blood collection techniques, Healthcare Providers can contribute to better outcomes for patients and improve the overall quality of care in the United States.

a-phlebotomist-carefully-present-a--rack-of-purple-top-tubes

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.

Related Videos

Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Emily Carter is a certified phlebotomist with over 8 years of experience working in clinical laboratories and outpatient care facilities. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, Emily became passionate about promoting best practices in phlebotomy techniques and patient safety. She has contributed to various healthcare blogs and instructional guides, focusing on the nuances of blood collection procedures, equipment selection, and safety standards.

When she's not writing, Emily enjoys mentoring new phlebotomists, helping them develop their skills through hands-on workshops and certifications. Her goal is to empower medical professionals and patients alike with accurate, up-to-date information about phlebotomy practices.

Previous

The Purpose of Different Color Coded Tubes in Medical Labs

Next

The Role of LCDs in Medical Lab and Phlebotomy Settings: Importance, Benefits, and Challenges