Gold Top Tubes: Specimen Collection Method in Medical Labs and Phlebotomy Practices

Summary

• Gold Top tubes are commonly used in medical labs and phlebotomy practices in the United States.
• The specimen collection method typically used with Gold Top tubes involves drawing blood from a vein using a needle and syringe or vacutainer system.
• Gold Top tubes are often used to collect serum specimens for a variety of laboratory tests, including chemistry panels and drug monitoring.

Introduction

Specimen collection is an essential component of medical laboratory and phlebotomy practices. The type of specimen collection method used can vary depending on the type of test being performed and the specific requirements of the laboratory. One common type of specimen collection tube used in medical labs and phlebotomy practices in the United States is the Gold Top tube. In this article, we will explore the specimen collection method typically used with Gold Top tubes in medical lab and phlebotomy practices in the United States.

Specimen Collection Method with Gold Top Tubes

Gold Top tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, are vacuum tubes that contain a gel separator at the bottom and a Clot Activator additive. These tubes are typically used to collect blood specimens for a variety of laboratory tests that require serum, such as chemistry panels and drug monitoring.

Procedure

The specimen collection method typically used with Gold Top tubes involves the following steps:

1. The phlebotomist first verifies the patient's identity and the test requisition.
2. The phlebotomist then selects the appropriate size of the Gold Top tube based on the volume of blood required for the test.
3. The phlebotomist cleans the Venipuncture site with an antiseptic solution and applies a Tourniquet to make the veins more visible.
4. Using a needle and syringe or a vacutainer system, the phlebotomist then draws blood from the vein. The blood is allowed to flow into the Gold Top tube until it reaches the fill line specified on the tube.
5. After filling the tube with blood, the phlebotomist removes the needle from the vein and applies pressure to the site to stop any bleeding.
6. The Gold Top tube is then gently inverted several times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the Clot Activator additive and gel separator.
7. The tube is then centrifuged to separate the serum from the blood cells. The gel separator forms a barrier between the serum and the clot, allowing for easy extraction of the serum for testing.
8. Finally, the serum is aliquoted into smaller tubes for storage and testing in the laboratory.

Benefits of Gold Top Tubes

Gold Top tubes offer several benefits for specimen collection in medical laboratory and phlebotomy practices, including:

1. Efficient separation of serum: The gel separator in Gold Top tubes allows for rapid and efficient separation of serum from the blood cells, reducing the risk of hemolysis and ensuring accurate Test Results.
2. Increased convenience: Gold Top tubes are easy to use and require minimal processing after collection, making them convenient for both phlebotomists and laboratory technicians.
3. Compatibility with a wide range of tests: Gold Top tubes can be used for a variety of laboratory tests that require serum, making them versatile and cost-effective for healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gold Top tubes are commonly used in medical laboratory and phlebotomy practices in the United States for specimen collection. The specimen collection method typically used with Gold Top tubes involves drawing blood from a vein using a needle and syringe or vacutainer system. These tubes are often used to collect serum specimens for a variety of laboratory tests, including chemistry panels and drug monitoring. Gold Top tubes offer efficient separation of serum, increased convenience, and compatibility with a wide range of tests, making them a valuable tool for healthcare professionals in the United States.

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