The Importance of Order of Draw in Blood Collection: Ensuring Accurate Test Results and Sample Integrity

Summary

• The order of draw is crucial in blood collection to avoid sample contamination and ensure accurate Test Results.
• In the United States, the standard order of draw for blood collection includes tubes with additives that help preserve and stabilize the samples.
• Familiarizing yourself with the correct order of draw is essential for healthcare professionals working in clinical labs, hospitals, and home healthcare settings.

Introduction

In a medical laboratory setting, the order of draw for blood collection is a critical process that must be followed to ensure accurate Test Results. The correct order of draw helps prevent sample contamination and ensures that the blood samples are collected in the most efficient and effective way possible. This article will explore the standard order of draw for blood collection in the United States, highlighting the importance of adhering to this protocol in various healthcare settings.

Why is the Order of Draw Important?

The order of draw is essential in blood collection for several reasons:

1. Prevents contamination: Following the correct order of draw prevents Cross-Contamination of samples, which can lead to inaccurate Test Results.
2. Preserves Sample Integrity: Certain blood collection tubes contain additives that help preserve the integrity of the sample. The correct order of draw ensures that these additives do not interfere with subsequent samples.
3. Ensures accurate Test Results: Adhering to the standard order of draw helps ensure that the samples are collected in a systematic and efficient manner, leading to accurate Test Results.

The Standard Order of Draw in the United States

In the United States, the standard order of draw for blood collection typically follows this sequence:

1. Yellow tubes (ACD): Used for collecting blood for blood bank studies and DNA testing.
2. Light blue tubes (citrate): Used for coagulation studies such as PT and aPTT.
3. Red tubes (no additive): Used for collecting serum samples for chemistry tests.
4. Gold or tiger-topped tubes (gel separator): Used for chemistry tests, including basic metabolic panels and liver function tests.
5. Light green tubes (Heparin): Used for plasma determinations such as ammonia and STAT chemistry tests.
6. Dark green tubes (sodium Heparin): Used for plasma determinations such as lithium and ammonia.
7. Lavender tubes (EDTA): Used for hematology studies, including CBC and ESR.
8. Gray tubes (oxalate/fluoride): Used for glucose testing.

Importance of Following the Correct Order of Draw

It is essential for healthcare professionals working in clinical labs, hospitals, and home healthcare settings to familiarize themselves with the correct order of draw for blood collection. By following this protocol, Healthcare Providers can:

1. Ensure Sample Integrity and accuracy: Following the standard order of draw helps prevent sample contamination and ensures that the samples are collected in a way that preserves their integrity.
2. Improve patient care: Accurate Test Results are crucial for making informed treatment decisions and providing the best possible care to patients.
3. Comply with Regulations: Following established protocols such as the order of draw is necessary to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements in the healthcare industry.

Conclusion

The correct order of draw for blood collection is a vital component of the laboratory testing process. By following the standard order of draw, healthcare professionals can ensure that blood samples are collected in a systematic and efficient manner, leading to accurate Test Results and improved patient care. Adhering to this protocol is crucial in clinical lab, hospital, and home healthcare settings to avoid sample contamination and ensure the integrity of the samples collected.

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