Lab Tube Cheat Sheet: Essential Information for Blood Sample Collection and Processing
Summary
- A lab tube cheat sheet in the United States typically includes information on the different types of tubes used for collecting blood samples.
- Other information that may be included on a lab tube cheat sheet includes the recommended order of draw, special handling instructions, and the additives present in each tube.
- Lab tube cheat sheets are essential tools for phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and efficient blood sample collection and processing.
Introduction
Lab tube cheat sheets are essential tools for phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals in the United States. These cheat sheets provide vital information on the different types of tubes used for collecting blood samples, as well as important instructions for handling and processing these samples. In this article, we will discuss the typical information that is included on a lab tube cheat sheet in the context of medical labs and phlebotomy in the United States.
Types of Tubes
One of the key pieces of information included on a lab tube cheat sheet is the different types of tubes used for collecting blood samples. Each tube is color-coded to indicate the additives present in the tube and the tests that can be performed using the sample collected. Common types of tubes that may be listed on a lab tube cheat sheet include:
- Red/Gray or Gold - Serum Separator Tube (SST): Used for chemistry tests.
- Lavender - EDTA Tube: Used for hematology tests.
- Light Blue - Sodium Citrate Tube: Used for coagulation tests.
- Green - Heparin Tube: Used for blood gas tests.
- Gray - Glycolytic Inhibitor Tube: Used for glucose tests.
Order of Draw
Another important piece of information typically included on a lab tube cheat sheet is the recommended order of draw. The order of draw is the sequence in which different types of tubes should be collected during a blood draw to prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure accurate Test Results. The general order of draw is as follows:
- Yellow - Blood Cultures
- Light Blue - Coagulation tests
- Red - Non-additive tubes
- Gold or Red/Gray - Serum tubes
- Green - Heparin tubes
- Lavender - EDTA tubes
- Gray - Glycolytic Inhibitor tubes
Special Handling Instructions
In addition to the types of tubes and order of draw, a lab tube cheat sheet may also include special handling instructions for certain types of tubes. For example, some tubes may require inversion or gentle mixing after collection to ensure proper mixing of the blood with the additives in the tube. Other tubes may need to be kept on ice or at room temperature to prevent sample degradation. These instructions are crucial for maintaining Sample Integrity and ensuring accurate Test Results.
Additives
Finally, a lab tube cheat sheet may list the specific additives present in each type of tube. Additives are substances that are added to the tubes to preserve the integrity of the blood sample and ensure accurate Test Results. Common additives used in blood collection tubes include anticoagulants, clot activators, and preservatives. By knowing the additives present in each tube, healthcare professionals can choose the appropriate tube for the tests being performed and ensure the reliability of the results.
Conclusion
Lab tube cheat sheets are invaluable resources for phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals in the United States. By providing essential information on the types of tubes, order of draw, special handling instructions, and additives, these cheat sheets help ensure accurate and efficient blood sample collection and processing. Understanding the information typically included on a lab tube cheat sheet is essential for healthcare professionals to perform their duties effectively and deliver high-quality patient care.
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