The Correct Order of Draw in Medical Laboratory Setting

Summary

  • The correct order of draw when using a serum separator tube is crucial in a medical lab setting in the United States.
  • Following the proper order of draw helps prevent Cross-Contamination of blood samples and ensures accurate Test Results.
  • A standardized order of draw protocol is essential for healthcare professionals to follow to maintain patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.

The Importance of Proper Order of Draw in Medical Lab Setting

In a medical laboratory setting, drawing blood samples from patients for various Diagnostic Tests is a common practice. To ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety, healthcare professionals must follow the correct order of draw when using a serum separator tube. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood samples are collected during Venipuncture to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the specimens.

Preventing Cross-Contamination

One of the primary reasons for following the correct order of draw is to prevent Cross-Contamination of blood samples. When blood samples are collected in the wrong sequence, residual amounts of anticoagulants or additives from previous tubes can contaminate subsequent samples, leading to inaccurate Test Results. This can have serious consequences for patient diagnosis and treatment.

Ensuring Accurate Test Results

Another crucial aspect of following the proper order of draw is to ensure accurate Test Results. Different blood collection tubes are treated with specific additives that can interfere with certain tests if they are drawn out of sequence. By following a standardized order of draw protocol, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of sample contamination and obtain reliable Test Results.

Standardized Order of Draw Protocol

Healthcare organizations in the United States adhere to a standardized order of draw protocol recommended by regulatory bodies such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This protocol establishes a specific sequence for collecting blood samples to maintain consistency and minimize the risk of errors in laboratory testing.

Correct Order of Draw with Serum Separator Tube

When using a serum separator tube in a medical lab setting, the correct order of draw is as follows:

  1. Yellow or SPS tubes (Sterile tubes for blood cultures)
  2. Light-blue tubes (Sodium Citrate tubes for coagulation tests)
  3. Red or gold (SST) tubes with or without gel separator (Serum tubes for chemistry tests)
  4. Green tubes (Heparin tubes for plasma determinations)
  5. Lavender tubes (EDTA tubes for hematology tests)
  6. Gray tubes (Oxalate/fluoride tubes for glucose analysis)

Following this specific order of draw ensures that blood samples are collected in a systematic way, minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring the accuracy of Test Results. Healthcare professionals must be trained on the proper technique for Venipuncture and understand the importance of following the correct order of draw to maintain patient safety and quality healthcare delivery.

a-rack-full-of-blood-collection-tubes

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