Green Top Tubes: Essential for Ammonia, STAT Electrolytes, and Arterial Blood Gases Testing in Healthcare Settings

Summary

• Green top tubes are commonly used in medical labs and phlebotomy for specific tests.
• These tubes contain sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant, making them ideal for certain blood tests.
• Tests conducted using green top tubes include ammonia, STAT electrolytes, and arterial blood gases.

Introduction

When it comes to medical laboratory testing and phlebotomy procedures, the type of blood collection tubes used can vary depending on the tests being conducted. One type of tube that is frequently used is the green top tube, which contains sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant. This article will delve into the specific tests that are typically conducted using green top tubes in the context of healthcare settings in the United States.

Ammonia Testing

Ammonia testing is a common test that is conducted using blood samples collected in green top tubes. Ammonia is a waste product that is produced in the body during the breakdown of proteins. Elevated levels of ammonia in the blood can be indicative of liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, or other conditions like urea cycle disorders.

Procedure

1. A blood sample is collected from the patient using a green top tube containing sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant.
2. The tube is then centrifuged to separate the plasma from the red blood cells.
3. The plasma is tested for levels of ammonia using specialized equipment in the clinical laboratory.

STAT Electrolytes

STAT electrolyte testing is another test that is often performed using blood samples collected in green top tubes. Electrolytes are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are essential for various bodily functions. Testing for electrolyte levels is crucial for evaluating a patient's overall health and determining the presence of any imbalances.

Procedure

1. A blood sample is collected from the patient using a green top tube containing sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant.
2. The tube is immediately sent to the laboratory for analysis to obtain rapid results, hence the term "STAT" for urgent testing.
3. The plasma is tested for levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate ions, which are key electrolytes in the body.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

Arterial blood gas (ABG) testing is a diagnostic test that provides information about a patient's respiratory and metabolic status by measuring the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in arterial blood. The test is commonly used in clinical settings, such as intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments, to assess and monitor patients with respiratory or metabolic disorders.

Procedure

1. A blood sample is collected from an artery, usually the radial artery in the wrist, using a green top tube containing sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant.
2. The sample is immediately placed on ice and transported to the laboratory to prevent alterations in the blood gas parameters.
3. The blood gas analyzer measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and other parameters in the arterial blood sample.

Conclusion

Green top tubes containing sodium Heparin are indispensable tools in medical laboratories and phlebotomy procedures for conducting specific tests such as ammonia, STAT electrolytes, and arterial blood gases. These tests play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, providing valuable information for Healthcare Providers to deliver optimal patient care.

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