The Correct Order of Draw for Blood Collection: Preventing Contamination and Ensuring Accuracy in Test Results

Written By Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Following the correct order of draw is crucial in preventing sample contamination and ensuring accurate Test Results.
  • The correct order of draw starts with tubes used for Blood Culture followed by tubes with additives and ending with tubes for coagulation studies.
  • Healthcare professionals must be well-trained and follow standard procedures to maintain the integrity of blood samples during collection.

Introduction

Accurate laboratory Test Results are essential for making accurate diagnoses and determining appropriate treatment plans for patients. In a medical laboratory setting, proper specimen collection is critical to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Test Results. One important aspect of specimen collection is the order of draw, which refers to the sequence in which multiple blood tubes are filled during a blood collection procedure. Following the correct order of draw is essential in preventing sample contamination and ensuring accurate Test Results.

The Correct Order of Draw

The correct order of draw is a standardized sequence that healthcare professionals follow when collecting multiple blood samples from a patient. This order is designed to prevent Cross-Contamination between tubes and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. The correct order of draw typically includes the following steps:

Step 1: Blood Culture Tubes

  1. Start by collecting Blood Culture tubes, which are used to detect the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in the blood.
  2. It is important to collect Blood Culture tubes first to minimize the risk of contamination from additives in other tubes.

Step 2: Tubes with Additives

  1. Next, collect tubes with additives such as anticoagulants or clot activators.
  2. These tubes are used for various tests that require specific additives to preserve or process the blood sample.

Step 3: Serum Tubes

  1. After collecting tubes with additives, collect serum tubes that do not contain any additives.
  2. These tubes are used for tests that require a serum sample, such as chemistry tests.

Step 4: Heparin Tubes

  1. Collect tubes with Heparin, an anticoagulant, after collecting serum tubes.
  2. Heparin tubes are used for tests that require a plasma sample, such as electrolyte tests.

Step 5: EDTA Tubes

  1. Finally, collect tubes with EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an Anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting.
  2. EDTA tubes are used for tests that require a whole blood sample, such as complete blood count (CBC) tests.

Importance of Following the Correct Order of Draw

Following the correct order of draw is crucial for several reasons:

Preventing Contamination

The correct order of draw helps prevent contamination of blood samples by ensuring that additives from one tube do not contaminate subsequent tubes. Contaminated samples can lead to inaccurate Test Results and potentially affect patient care.

Ensuring Accuracy

By following the correct order of draw, healthcare professionals can ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory Test Results. Proper specimen collection techniques, including following the correct order of draw, play a crucial role in providing quality patient care.

Complying with Standards

Following the correct order of draw is a standard practice in medical laboratories to maintain the integrity of blood samples and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. Healthcare professionals must adhere to these standards to uphold the highest level of patient care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, following the correct order of draw is essential in the collection of blood samples in a medical laboratory setting in the United States. By adhering to the standardized sequence of collecting blood tubes, healthcare professionals can prevent sample contamination and ensure accurate Test Results. Proper specimen collection techniques, including following the correct order of draw, are essential for providing quality patient care and maintaining the integrity of laboratory Test Results.

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Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Jessica Turner is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles. With 6 years of experience in both hospital and private practice settings, Jessica has developed a deep understanding of phlebotomy techniques, patient interaction, and the importance of precision in blood collection.

She is passionate about educating others on the critical role phlebotomists play in the healthcare system and regularly writes content focused on blood collection best practices, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding the latest trends in phlebotomy equipment. Jessica aims to share practical insights and tips to help phlebotomists enhance their skills and improve patient care.

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