Lab Tube Cheat Sheet in Phlebotomy: Essential Information for Blood Collection Process

Summary

• A lab tube cheat sheet in phlebotomy typically includes information such as the type of tube to be used, the order of draw, additives present in the tube, and special handling instructions.
• Phlebotomists in the United States rely on these cheat sheets to ensure accuracy and compliance with lab protocols when collecting blood samples.
• Understanding the information on a lab tube cheat sheet is crucial for phlebotomists to minimize errors and ensure the integrity of laboratory Test Results.

Introduction

When it comes to collecting blood samples for laboratory testing, phlebotomists play a crucial role in ensuring that the process is done accurately and safely. One tool that phlebotomists use to guide them in the collection process is a lab tube cheat sheet. This cheat sheet provides essential information about the tubes used to collect blood samples and the proper procedures to follow while collecting these samples. In this article, we will delve into the information typically included on a lab tube cheat sheet used in phlebotomy in the United States.

Types of Tubes

One of the key pieces of information included on a lab tube cheat sheet is the type of tubes to be used for collecting blood samples. Different tubes are used for various tests to ensure that the samples remain stable and do not get contaminated. Some of the common types of tubes used in phlebotomy include:

1. Red-top tubes: These tubes are used for general chemistry tests and do not contain any additives.
2. Lavender-top tubes: These tubes contain an Anticoagulant and are used for coagulation studies and hematology tests.
3. Green-top tubes: These tubes contain Heparin and are used for chemistry tests that require plasma.
4. Light-blue top tubes: These tubes contain Sodium Citrate and are used for coagulation studies.

Order of Draw

Another critical piece of information included on a lab tube cheat sheet is the order of draw. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which tubes should be drawn during a blood collection procedure to minimize the risk of Cross-Contamination between tubes. The typical order of draw followed by phlebotomists in the United States is:

1. Yellow or Blood Culture tubes
2. Light-blue tubes
3. Red tubes
4. Green tubes
5. Lavender tubes
6. Gray tubes

Additives

Lab tube cheat sheets also include information about any additives present in the tubes. Additives are substances that are added to the tubes to preserve the integrity of the blood sample or aid in the testing process. Some common additives found in phlebotomy tubes include:

1. Anticoagulants: These substances prevent blood from clotting and are often used in tubes for coagulation studies.
2. Preservatives: These substances help preserve the integrity of the sample and are used in tubes for certain chemistry tests.
3. Separation gels: These gels help separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells and are commonly found in tubes used for chemistry tests.

Special Handling Instructions

Lastly, lab tube cheat sheets typically provide special handling instructions for certain types of tubes. These instructions are crucial for maintaining the stability of the blood samples and ensuring the accuracy of the Test Results. Some common special handling instructions include:

1. Centrifuge immediately after collection: Some tubes require immediate centrifugation to separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells.
2. Keep chilled: Certain tubes need to be kept at a specific temperature to prevent degradation of the sample.
3. Protect from light: Some tubes are sensitive to light and need to be stored in a dark environment to maintain Sample Integrity.

Conclusion

Lab tube cheat sheets are invaluable tools for phlebotomists in the United States as they provide essential information about the tubes used for blood collection, the order of draw, additives present in the tubes, and special handling instructions. By understanding and following the information on these cheat sheets, phlebotomists can ensure the accuracy and integrity of the blood samples collected, ultimately leading to reliable laboratory Test Results.

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