Using Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate (SPS) in Yellow Top Tubes for Blood Collection in the United States
Summary
- Yellow top tubes are typically used for blood collection in the United States.
- The most common Anticoagulant found in yellow top tubes is SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate).
- SPS is used for blood cultures to prevent clotting and preserve the integrity of the sample for testing.
Introduction
When it comes to blood collection for testing in clinical labs and hospitals in the United States, different colored tubes are used to indicate the type of additive or Anticoagulant present in the tube. One of the commonly used tubes is the yellow top tube, which is typically used for Blood Culture collection. In this article, we will discuss the type of Anticoagulant typically found in a yellow top tube used for blood collection in the United States.
The Yellow Top Tube
The yellow top tube, also known as the Blood Culture tube, is used for collecting blood samples for microbial culture testing. This type of tube is specifically designed to prevent clotting and preserve the integrity of the sample for accurate testing. The yellow top tube contains an Anticoagulant that helps maintain the viability of microorganisms in the blood sample for culture testing.
Anticoagulant in Yellow Top Tube
The most common Anticoagulant found in yellow top tubes used for blood collection in the United States is Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate (SPS). SPS is a polyanionic polymer that binds to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the coagulation cascade from being triggered. This helps maintain the sample in a liquid state, allowing for accurate testing of microbial growth.
Role of SPS in Blood Culture Testing
SPS plays a crucial role in Blood Culture testing by preventing the formation of clots in the blood sample. This is vital for accurately detecting the presence of microorganisms in the blood that may be causing an infection. By preserving the integrity of the sample, SPS ensures that the culture results are reliable and accurate.
Benefits of Using SPS in Blood Culture Tubes
There are several benefits to using SPS as the Anticoagulant in yellow top tubes for Blood Culture collection:
- Prevents clotting: SPS effectively prevents the formation of clots in the blood sample, ensuring that the sample remains viable for testing.
- Preserves Sample Integrity: By maintaining the sample in a liquid state, SPS helps preserve the integrity of the sample, leading to accurate culture results.
- Enhances microbial growth: SPS helps enhance the growth of microorganisms in the blood sample, making it easier to detect the presence of pathogens causing an infection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the yellow top tube used for blood collection in the United States typically contains the Anticoagulant Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate (SPS). SPS plays a vital role in preventing clotting and preserving the integrity of the blood sample for accurate microbial culture testing. By understanding the role of SPS in Blood Culture tubes, Healthcare Providers can ensure the quality and reliability of laboratory results for diagnosing and treating infections.
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