The Proper Order of Draw in Collecting Blood Specimens: Guidelines and Importance

Summary

• Understanding the proper order of draw is essential for collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting in the United States.
• Following the correct order of draw helps ensure the accuracy of Test Results and prevents sample contamination.
• The proper order of draw typically includes collecting tubes for coagulation tests first, followed by tubes for other types of tests in a specific sequence.

Introduction

When it comes to collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting in the United States, following the proper order of draw is crucial. This process involves a specific sequence of collecting blood tubes to ensure the accuracy of Test Results and prevent sample contamination. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the order of draw and provide guidelines for collecting blood specimens in the correct order.

Why is the Proper Order of Draw Important?

The order of draw is critical in a medical lab setting for several reasons:

1. Prevents Contamination: By following a specific order of draw, you can reduce the risk of sample contamination. For example, if tubes for coagulation tests are collected after tubes for chemistry tests, there is a higher chance of carryover of anticoagulants.
2. Ensures Accuracy: Different blood collection tubes contain additives that can affect the accuracy of Test Results. Following the proper order of draw helps ensure that each tube receives the correct amount of blood and additive for accurate testing.
3. Standardizes Procedures: Establishing a consistent order of draw protocol in a medical lab setting helps maintain Quality Control and standardizes procedures across different healthcare facilities.

Proper Order of Draw Guidelines

While specific guidelines may vary slightly depending on the healthcare facility and type of tests being performed, the general order of draw typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Coagulation Tests

Collect tubes for coagulation tests first, as these require the least amount of blood and are most sensitive to contamination. Use tubes with Sodium Citrate as the Anticoagulant for these tests.

Step 2: Serum Tubes

Collect tubes for serum tests next, such as chemistry tests and blood bank studies. These tubes do not contain any Anticoagulant and are used for tests that require clotting of the blood sample.

Step 3: Heparin Tubes

Collect tubes with lithium or sodium Heparin as the Anticoagulant after serum tubes. These tubes are typically used for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples for analysis.

Step 4: EDTA Tubes

Collect tubes with EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) as the Anticoagulant last. These tubes are used for tests that require whole blood or plasma samples and can be affected by calcium levels in the blood.

Additional Tips for Proper Blood Collection

1. Correctly identify the patient and label each blood collection tube with the patient's information to prevent mix-ups.
2. Use proper Venipuncture techniques to minimize patient discomfort and ensure a successful blood draw.
3. Avoid excessive agitation of blood tubes after collection to prevent hemolysis and inaccurate Test Results.
4. Store blood specimens at the appropriate temperature and transport them to the lab in a timely manner to maintain Sample Integrity.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper order of draw for collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting is essential for ensuring the accuracy of Test Results and preventing sample contamination. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, healthcare professionals can maintain high standards of Quality Control and provide reliable diagnostic information for patient care.

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