Understanding Additives in Dark Green Tubes: Heparin and EDTA
Summary
- Dark green tubes are commonly used for phlebotomy in the United States.
- These tubes typically contain additives that help preserve blood samples for testing.
- The additives found in dark green tubes include Heparin and EDTA.
Introduction
When it comes to collecting blood samples for medical testing, phlebotomy plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate results. In the United States, dark green tubes are commonly used for phlebotomy procedures. These tubes contain additives that help preserve blood samples until they can be tested in a clinical laboratory. In this article, we will explore the additives typically found in dark green tubes used for phlebotomy in medical labs across the United States.
Understanding Dark Green Tubes
Dark green tubes, also known as lithium Heparin tubes, are used for a variety of blood tests in clinical settings. These tubes are coated with a lithium Heparin additive, which acts as an Anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting during storage. The Heparin additive allows blood samples to remain in a liquid state, making it easier to perform tests that require whole blood.
Common Tests Using Dark Green Tubes
Dark green tubes are typically used for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples. Some common tests that may require the use of dark green tubes include:
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Liver function tests
- Cardiac enzyme tests
- Thyroid function tests
Additives Found in Dark Green Tubes
In addition to lithium Heparin, dark green tubes may also contain other additives to help preserve blood samples for testing. One common additive found in dark green tubes is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to calcium ions in the blood, preventing clotting and preserving the integrity of the sample for testing.
Heparin vs. EDTA
While Heparin and EDTA both act as anticoagulants, they serve slightly different purposes in blood collection tubes. Heparin is primarily used to prevent clotting in plasma samples, whereas EDTA is more commonly used in whole blood samples to preserve cell morphology for hematological tests. Depending on the type of test being performed, either Heparin or EDTA may be used in dark green tubes.
Conclusion
Dark green tubes are an essential component of phlebotomy procedures in medical laboratories across the United States. These tubes contain additives such as Heparin and EDTA, which help preserve blood samples for testing and ensure accurate results. By understanding the additives found in dark green tubes, healthcare professionals can better interpret Test Results and provide quality care to patients.
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