Yellow ACD Tube Guidelines for Proper Blood Collection in Phlebotomy
Summary
- The yellow ACD tube is used in phlebotomy to collect blood samples for testing in clinical laboratories.
- This tube contains an Anticoagulant called Acid Citrate Dextrose (ACD) to prevent blood clotting.
- Healthcare professionals must follow strict guidelines when using the yellow ACD tube to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results.
Introduction
In the United States, phlebotomy is an essential part of healthcare services that involves drawing blood samples from patients for various Diagnostic Tests. Proper handling and collection of blood samples are crucial to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. Different colored tubes are used in phlebotomy to collect blood samples for specific tests, each containing different additives to preserve the integrity of the sample.
What is a Yellow ACD Tube?
The yellow ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose) tube is one of the many types of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy. This tube contains an Anticoagulant solution that prevents the blood from clotting during storage and transport to the laboratory for testing. The ACD solution is made up of citric acid, Sodium Citrate, and dextrose, which helps preserve the blood sample for certain types of tests.
Proper Use of a Yellow ACD Tube
When using a yellow ACD tube for blood collection, healthcare professionals must follow specific guidelines to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the Test Results. Here are the steps to properly use a yellow ACD tube in the context of phlebotomy in the United States:
- Verify Patient Information
- Prepare the Collection Site
- Assemble Equipment
- Collect the Blood Sample
- Label the Tube
- Transport the Sample
1. Verify Patient Information
Before collecting a blood sample using a yellow ACD tube, it is essential to verify the patient's identity and confirm the necessary test orders. Ensure that the patient's name, date of birth, and other identifying information match the requisition form to prevent any errors in sample collection and labeling.
2. Prepare the Collection Site
Clean the collection site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry before performing the Venipuncture. Proper skin preparation helps reduce the risk of contamination and infection during the blood collection process. Choose a suitable vein for collection and apply a Tourniquet to locate the vein easily.
3. Assemble Equipment
Gather all the necessary equipment, including a yellow ACD tube, needle holder, needle, and alcohol swabs. Ensure that the equipment is sterile and in good condition to prevent any contamination of the blood sample. Check the expiration date of the yellow ACD tube and discard it if it has expired.
4. Collect the Blood Sample
Perform the Venipuncture using a sterile needle attached to the needle holder. Insert the needle into the vein at the correct angle and draw the required amount of blood into the yellow ACD tube. Mix the blood gently with the ACD solution by inverting the tube several times to prevent clotting.
5. Label the Tube
After collecting the blood sample, ensure that the yellow ACD tube is properly labeled with the patient's name, date of birth, and other required information. Label the tube with a unique identifier, such as the patient's medical record number or barcode, to link it to the patient's electronic health record.
6. Transport the Sample
Once the blood sample is collected and labeled, store it in a biohazard bag or container for transportation to the clinical laboratory. Follow the appropriate handling and storage guidelines to maintain the integrity of the sample during transit. Ensure that the sample reaches the laboratory within the specified time frame to prevent any changes in the Test Results.
Conclusion
The proper use of a yellow ACD tube in phlebotomy is essential to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results in clinical laboratories. Healthcare professionals must follow specific guidelines when collecting blood samples using a yellow ACD tube to maintain the integrity of the sample. By verifying patient information, preparing the collection site, assembling equipment, collecting the blood sample, labeling the tube, and transporting the sample properly, healthcare professionals can ensure the quality of the blood sample for testing.
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