The Importance of Following the Order of Draw for Blood Collection Tubes
Summary
- The order of draw for blood collection tubes is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results in a medical laboratory setting.
- Following the recommended order of draw can help prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure the integrity of the samples collected.
- In the United States, the most commonly recommended order of draw for blood collection tubes is: Blood Culture tubes, coagulation tubes, serum tubes, Heparin tubes, EDTA tubes, and other additive tubes.
Introduction
When it comes to collecting blood samples for laboratory testing, it is important to follow the recommended order of draw to ensure accurate and reliable results. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood collection tubes should be filled during a phlebotomy procedure. By following the correct order of draw, healthcare professionals can prevent Cross-Contamination between samples and ensure the integrity of the specimens collected.
The Recommended Order of Draw
In the United States, the recommended order of draw for blood collection tubes is as follows:
1. Blood Culture Tubes
- Blood Culture tubes should always be drawn first to minimize the risk of contaminating the sample with skin flora or microorganisms from the environment.
2. Coagulation Tubes
- Coagulation tubes, which contain an Anticoagulant such as Sodium Citrate, should be drawn next to ensure accurate coagulation testing.
3. Serum Tubes
- Serum tubes, which do not contain an anticoagulant, should be drawn after coagulation tubes to allow for the formation of a clot and the separation of serum from the blood cells.
4. Heparin Tubes
- Heparin tubes, which contain the Anticoagulant Heparin, should be drawn next for testing that requires plasma samples.
5. EDTA Tubes
- EDTA tubes, which contain the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, should be drawn after Heparin tubes for testing that requires whole blood samples.
6. Other Additive Tubes
- Finally, any other additive tubes should be drawn last in the order of draw to prevent contamination between samples.
Importance of Following the Order of Draw
Following the recommended order of draw is essential for several reasons:
1. Prevent Cross-Contamination
By following the correct order of draw, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of Cross-Contamination between blood samples. Drawing Blood Culture tubes first, for example, helps prevent contamination of the sample with skin flora or environmental microorganisms that could affect the results of the culture.
2. Ensure Sample Integrity
Following the order of draw helps ensure the integrity of the samples collected for testing. For example, drawing coagulation tubes before serum tubes prevents the Anticoagulant in the coagulation tubes from affecting the clot formation in the serum tubes, which could lead to inaccurate Test Results.
3. Maintain Quality of Results
By following the recommended order of draw, healthcare professionals can help maintain the quality and reliability of the Test Results obtained from blood samples. Drawing the tubes in the correct sequence helps ensure that the samples are collected in a manner that is most suitable for the specific tests being performed.
Conclusion
Following the recommended order of draw for blood collection tubes is essential for obtaining accurate and reliable Test Results in a medical laboratory setting. By drawing the tubes in the correct sequence, healthcare professionals can prevent Cross-Contamination between samples, ensure the integrity of the specimens collected, and maintain the quality of the results obtained. Adhering to the proper order of draw is an important best practice in phlebotomy that should be followed in all healthcare settings in the United States.
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