Blood Collection Tubes for 23 Gauge Needle in the United States: Recommended Types and Usage
Summary
- When using a 23 gauge needle for blood collection in the United States, it is recommended to use specific blood collection tubes.
- The most commonly used blood collection tubes with a 23 gauge needle are the Lavender Top tube (EDTA), the Light Blue Top tube (Sodium Citrate), and the green top tube (Heparin).
- Each blood collection tube is color-coded for easy identification and contains specific additives to preserve and stabilize the blood sample for various laboratory tests.
Blood Collection Tubes for 23 Gauge Needle in the United States
When it comes to blood collection in healthcare settings such as home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States, it is essential to use the appropriate blood collection tubes to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. One of the critical factors to consider when selecting blood collection tubes is the size of the needle being used. In this article, we will discuss the specific blood collection tubes recommended for use with a 23 gauge needle in the United States.
Lavender Top Tube (EDTA)
The Lavender Top tube, also known as the EDTA tube, is one of the most commonly used blood collection tubes for various laboratory tests. It is recommended for use with a 23 gauge needle for collecting blood samples for hematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, and sickle cell screening. The Lavender Top tube contains the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which helps prevent blood clotting by chelating calcium ions. This additive preserves the blood cells and prevents clot formation during transportation to the laboratory. The Lavender Top tube is easily identifiable by its purple-colored cap and is essential for accurate hematologic testing.
Light Blue Top Tube (Sodium Citrate)
The Light Blue Top tube, also known as the Sodium Citrate tube, is another commonly used blood collection tube that is recommended for use with a 23 gauge needle. This tube is used for coagulation studies, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT). The Light Blue Top tube contains a measured amount of Sodium Citrate, which acts as an Anticoagulant by binding to calcium ions and preventing blood clotting. The Sodium Citrate preserves the blood sample by maintaining the clotting factors in an active state until testing can be performed in the laboratory. The Light Blue Top tube can be easily identified by its light blue-colored cap and is essential for accurate coagulation testing.
Green Top Tube (Heparin)
The green top tube, also known as the Heparin tube, is recommended for use with a 23 gauge needle for collecting blood samples for various clinical chemistry tests. The green top tube contains the Anticoagulant Heparin, which inhibits thrombin and prevents blood clotting by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III. Heparin is commonly used for plasma determinations, such as glucose, electrolytes, and liver function tests. The green top tube is identifiable by its green-colored cap and plays a crucial role in preserving the blood sample for accurate clinical chemistry testing.
Other Considerations
When collecting blood samples with a 23 gauge needle, it is essential to follow proper Venipuncture techniques to minimize patient discomfort and ensure accurate Test Results. It is also crucial to label each blood collection tube correctly with the patient's information to prevent sample mix-ups and ensure traceability throughout the testing process. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the specific requirements for each laboratory test and select the appropriate blood collection tubes based on the recommended guidelines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when using a 23 gauge needle for blood collection in the United States, it is crucial to use the specific blood collection tubes recommended for accurate and reliable Test Results. The Lavender Top tube (EDTA), the Light Blue Top tube (Sodium Citrate), and the green top tube (Heparin) are commonly used tubes that contain specific additives to preserve and stabilize blood samples for hematologic, coagulation, and clinical chemistry testing, respectively. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the color-coded system for blood collection tubes and follow proper Venipuncture techniques to ensure patient safety and quality laboratory testing outcomes. By utilizing the appropriate blood collection tubes with a 23 gauge needle, Healthcare Providers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of blood sample collection and analysis in various healthcare settings across the United States.
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