Order of Draw Colors for Blood Collection Tubes: Importance and Guidelines in Clinical Laboratory Testing

Summary

• It is essential to follow the recommended order of draw colors for blood collection tubes to ensure accurate Test Results.
• Following the correct order helps prevent sample contamination and ensures proper mixing of additives in the tubes.
• Healthcare professionals in the United States must be knowledgeable about the order of draw colors to maintain high-Quality Standards in clinical lab testing.

Introduction

When it comes to collecting blood samples for clinical laboratory testing, the order of draw colors for blood collection tubes is crucial. Healthcare professionals in the United States must adhere to the recommended order to ensure accurate results and maintain high-Quality Standards in patient care. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the order of draw colors and provide guidelines on the correct sequence to follow in a medical laboratory setting.

Understanding the Order of Draw

The order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood collection tubes should be filled during Venipuncture. By following a specific order, healthcare professionals can prevent sample contamination and ensure proper mixing of additives in the tubes. This is essential to avoid inaccurate Test Results that could lead to misdiagnosis and improper patient treatment.

Benefits of Following the Correct Order

1. Prevents Cross-Contamination: Following the recommended order of draw colors helps prevent contamination of blood samples with additives from previous tubes, which could affect the accuracy of Test Results.
2. Ensures proper mixing: Some blood collection tubes contain additives that require thorough mixing with the blood sample to achieve accurate Test Results. By following the correct order, healthcare professionals can ensure that these additives are properly mixed.
3. Consistent results: Adhering to the order of draw colors standardizes the blood collection process, leading to consistent and reliable Test Results across different healthcare settings.

Recommended Order of Draw Colors

In the United States, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) provides guidelines on the recommended order of draw colors for blood collection tubes. Healthcare professionals must follow these recommendations to maintain the integrity of blood samples and ensure accurate Test Results. The following is the standard order of draw colors:

1. Yellow or SPS Tubes

1. Yellow or SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate) tubes are used for Blood Culture collection to prevent bacterial contamination.
2. These tubes should always be drawn first to avoid contamination of other samples with microorganisms from the skin.

2. Light Blue Tubes

1. Light blue tubes contain Sodium Citrate and are used for coagulation studies, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
2. These tubes should be drawn second to prevent contamination with anticoagulants that may affect coagulation Test Results.

3. Serum Tubes (Red or Gold)

1. Serum tubes, including red or gold-top tubes, do not contain anticoagulants and are used for testing serum chemistry, immunology, and blood bank studies.
2. These tubes should be drawn after the light blue tubes to prevent contamination with anticoagulants from previous samples.

4. Green Tubes

1. Green tubes contain Heparin or lithium Heparin and are used for chemistry tests, such as electrolytes, glucose, and kidney function panels.
2. These tubes should be drawn before lavender tubes to prevent contamination with additives that may affect Test Results.

5. Lavender Tubes

1. Lavender tubes contain EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and are used for hematology studies, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing.
2. These tubes should be drawn last in the sequence to avoid contamination of other samples with anticoagulants.

Conclusion

Adhering to the recommended order of draw colors is critical for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of clinical laboratory Test Results. Healthcare professionals in the United States must be familiar with the standard sequence of blood collection tubes to maintain high-Quality Standards in patient care. By following the correct order, Healthcare Providers can prevent sample contamination, ensure proper mixing of additives, and deliver consistent Test Results across different healthcare settings.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.

Related Videos