The Importance of Proper Tube Selection in Medical Lab Procedures
Summary
- Light green tubes are typically used for chemistry tests, while dark green tubes are used for plasma determinations
- The additives in the tubes differ, with light green tubes containing lithium Heparin and dark green tubes containing sodium Heparin
- The color coding system helps healthcare professionals easily identify and differentiate between the different tubes
The Importance of Proper Tube Selection in Medical Lab Procedures
Choosing the right color tube is crucial in medical lab procedures to ensure accurate Test Results and patient care. In the United States, two commonly used tubes in phlebotomy and laboratory testing are the light green tube and the dark green tube. These tubes serve different purposes and contain specific additives that play a key role in the accuracy of Test Results.
Light Green Tube
The light green tube, also known as a plasma separator tube (PST), is used for a variety of chemistry tests. The tube contains an additive called lithium Heparin, which acts as an Anticoagulant by preventing blood from clotting. This allows for the separation of plasma from the rest of the blood components during centrifugation. The plasma can then be used for various chemistry tests, such as glucose, electrolytes, and liver function tests.
- Common tests conducted using a light green tube:
- Glucose
- Electrolytes
- Liver function tests
- Common tests conducted using a dark green tube:
- Prothrombin Time (PT)
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- Fibrinogen
Dark Green Tube
The dark green tube, on the other hand, is used for plasma determinations. It contains an additive called sodium Heparin, which also prevents blood from clotting. However, the sodium Heparin in the dark green tube is specifically designed for plasma determinations, such as a Prothrombin Time (PT) test or a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test.
Key Differences Between Light Green and Dark Green Tubes
While both the light green and dark green tubes serve the purpose of preventing blood clotting, they are used for different types of tests due to the specific additives they contain. The color coding system in medical laboratories helps healthcare professionals easily identify and differentiate between the tubes to ensure the correct tube is used for the intended test.
It is important for phlebotomists and laboratory technicians to be knowledgeable about the different tube colors and their purposes to prevent errors in Test Results and ensure accurate patient care. Proper tube selection is essential in the delivery of quality healthcare services and the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
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