The Dark Green Tube: Sodium Heparin and Its Applications in Phlebotomy

Summary

  • The dark green tube used for phlebotomy in the United States contains sodium Heparin as an additive.
  • This additive prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the action of thrombin.
  • The dark green tube is commonly used for testing ammonia levels, carboxyhemoglobin, and arterial blood gases.

The Dark Green Tube in Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves drawing blood samples from patients for testing and analysis. Different colored tubes are used for phlebotomy, with each color representing a specific additive that helps preserve the blood sample and ensure accurate Test Results. One of the commonly used tubes in phlebotomy is the dark green tube, which contains a specific additive. In this article, we will explore the additive present in the dark green tube used for phlebotomy in the United States.

Sodium Heparin: The Additive in the Dark Green Tube

The dark green tube used for phlebotomy in the United States contains sodium Heparin as an additive. Heparin is an Anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the action of thrombin, an enzyme involved in the blood coagulation process. Sodium Heparin helps maintain the integrity of the blood sample by preventing it from clotting during collection and transportation to the laboratory.

Applications of the Dark Green Tube

The dark green tube is commonly used for a variety of tests that require plasma samples. Some of the key applications of the dark green tube include:

  1. Testing Ammonia Levels: The dark green tube is used to collect blood samples for testing ammonia levels in the body. Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood can indicate liver disease or other metabolic disorders.
  2. Measuring Carboxyhemoglobin Levels: Carboxyhemoglobin is a compound formed by the binding of carbon monoxide to hemoglobin in the blood. The dark green tube is used to collect samples for measuring carboxyhemoglobin levels, which can help diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning.
  3. Arterial Blood Gas Analysis: The dark green tube is also used for collecting arterial blood samples for measuring blood gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Arterial blood gas analysis is commonly performed to assess respiratory function and monitor patients with respiratory disorders.

Conclusion

The dark green tube used for phlebotomy in the United States contains sodium Heparin as an additive, which helps prevent blood clotting and maintain the integrity of the blood sample. This tube is commonly used for testing ammonia levels, carboxyhemoglobin, and arterial blood gases, making it an essential tool in clinical laboratories and healthcare settings.

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