Order of Draw and Tube Additives Used in Medical Labs for Phlebotomy Procedures
Summary
- The order of draw and tube additives used in medical labs for phlebotomy procedures is crucial for accurate and reliable Test Results.
- Following the correct order of draw ensures that blood samples are collected in the proper sequence to prevent Cross-Contamination and inaccurate results.
- Understanding the different tube additives and their specific uses is essential for phlebotomists to effectively collect and handle blood samples in clinical settings.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is a vital aspect of healthcare that involves the collection of blood samples for diagnostic testing. Proper phlebotomy procedures are essential for accurate Test Results and patient care. In medical labs in the United States, phlebotomists must follow a specific order of draw and use different tube additives to ensure the quality and reliability of blood samples. Understanding the correct order of draw and tube additives used in a medical lab for phlebotomy procedures is critical for healthcare professionals to perform their jobs effectively and provide accurate Test Results.
Order of Draw
The order of draw refers to the sequence in which multiple blood samples are collected from a single Venipuncture site. Following the correct order of draw is crucial to prevent Cross-Contamination between blood samples and ensure accurate Test Results. The recommended order of draw in the United States is as follows:
- Yellow or Sterile Tube - Used for blood cultures to detect bacterial infections.
- Light Blue Tube - Contains Sodium Citrate for coagulation studies.
- Red or Tiger Top Tube - Contains a gel separator for serum testing.
- Gold or Red/Gray Marble Top Tube - Contains a gel separator for serum testing.
- Light Green or Dark Green Tube - Contains lithium Heparin for chemistry tests.
- Lavender or Purple Tube - Contains EDTA for hematology tests.
- Gray Tube - Contains Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate for glucose testing.
Tube Additives
Each tube used in phlebotomy procedures contains specific additives that serve different purposes for various laboratory tests. Understanding the different tube additives is essential for phlebotomists to select the appropriate tubes for specific tests and handle blood samples properly. Some common tube additives used in medical labs in the United States include:
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate is commonly used in light blue tubes for coagulation studies such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT). It acts as an Anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting and ensure accurate Test Results.
Gel Separator
Gel separators are present in red or tiger top tubes and gold or red/gray marble top tubes. The gel forms a barrier between the serum and blood cells after centrifugation, allowing for easy separation of serum for testing purposes.
Lithium Heparin
Lithium Heparin is an Anticoagulant used in light green or dark green tubes for chemistry tests such as electrolyte panels and liver function tests. It helps prevent blood clotting and ensures the stability of blood samples for analysis.
EDTA
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is an Anticoagulant used in lavender or purple tubes for hematology tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing. It helps preserve blood cell integrity and prevent clot formation during Sample Handling.
Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate
These additives are commonly used in gray tubes for glucose testing. Sodium Fluoride inhibits glycolysis in the blood sample, while Potassium Oxalate acts as an anticoagulant. The combination of these additives ensures accurate and stable glucose measurements in laboratory tests.
Conclusion
Understanding the correct order of draw and tube additives used in a medical lab for phlebotomy procedures is essential for healthcare professionals to perform their roles effectively. Following the recommended order of draw and using the appropriate tube additives ensures the quality and reliability of blood samples for diagnostic testing. By adhering to best practices in phlebotomy, Healthcare Providers can deliver accurate Test Results and improve patient care in clinical settings.
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