The Importance of Anticoagulants in Phlebotomy: Understanding Lithium Heparin and Proper Handling

Summary

• The light green blood tube used for phlebotomy in the United States typically contains the Anticoagulant lithium Heparin.
• Lithium Heparin works by preventing blood clotting and is commonly used for chemistry tests that require plasma instead of serum.
• It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the anticoagulants used in different color-coded blood tubes to ensure accurate Test Results and proper patient care.

The Importance of Anticoagulants in Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is an essential aspect of healthcare that involves drawing blood samples from patients for diagnostic testing. These blood samples are collected in various color-coded tubes that contain different types of anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. One common color-coded tube used in phlebotomy is the light green tube, which typically contains the Anticoagulant lithium Heparin.

What is Lithium Heparin?

Lithium Heparin is a synthetic Anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, a key enzyme involved in blood clotting. This prevents the blood from clotting inside the tube and allows for the collection of plasma instead of serum. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains proteins, electrolytes, and other essential components for diagnostic testing.

Common Tests Requiring Lithium Heparin

The light green tube containing lithium Heparin is commonly used for chemistry tests that require plasma samples. These tests often include:

1. Basic metabolic panel (BMP): A group of tests that measure various components in the blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers.
2. Liver function tests: Assess the health of the liver by measuring specific enzymes and proteins in the blood.
3. Lipid panel: Measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to evaluate the risk of heart disease.
4. Cardiac markers: Detect proteins released into the blood during a heart attack or other cardiac events.

Proper Handling of Lithium Heparin Tubes

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to handle light green tubes containing lithium Heparin properly to ensure accurate Test Results. Here are some important considerations when using these tubes:

1. Label the tubes correctly with the patient's information to avoid mix-ups.
2. Invert the tubes gently several times after collection to mix the blood with the anticoagulant.
3. Place the tubes in a centrifuge immediately after collection to separate the plasma from the cells.
4. Store the plasma samples in a refrigerated environment to prevent degradation of the analytes.

Conclusion

Understanding the anticoagulants used in phlebotomy tubes is essential for healthcare professionals to perform accurate Diagnostic Tests and provide quality patient care. The light green tube containing lithium Heparin is commonly used for chemistry tests that require plasma samples. By following proper handling procedures and knowing the specific tests that require lithium Heparin, Healthcare Providers can ensure reliable results and timely treatment for patients.

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