The Correct Order Of Draw For Blood Specimens In Medical Labs: Importance And Mnemonic
Summary
- The correct order of draw is essential for collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting in the United States.
- By following the mnemonic, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate Test Results and patient safety.
- Understanding the correct order of draw can prevent sample contamination and ensure the efficiency of the laboratory process.
Introduction
When it comes to collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting, following the correct order of draw is crucial. This process involves a specific sequence in which different colored tubes are used to collect blood for various laboratory tests. Following the correct order of draw helps to prevent contamination, ensure accurate Test Results, and maintain patient safety.
Why is the correct order of draw important?
The correct order of draw is important for several reasons:
Preventing Cross-Contamination
Using the correct order of draw helps to prevent Cross-Contamination between different blood samples. If tubes are not collected in the proper sequence, residual substances from one sample can contaminate the next, leading to inaccurate Test Results.
Ensuring accurate Test Results
Each tube color is designed for specific laboratory tests, and the order of draw ensures that the right additives are used for each sample. Following the correct sequence helps to prevent errors in Test Results and ensures that samples are properly processed.
Maintaining patient safety
Following the correct order of draw is essential for maintaining patient safety. By using the proper tubes in the correct order, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients do not experience adverse effects from incorrect Test Results or contaminated samples.
The mnemonic for the correct order of draw
To help healthcare professionals remember the correct order of draw, a mnemonic has been developed. The most commonly used mnemonic for the order of draw is:
Blood Cultures
Light Blue
Red
Gold/Tiger/SST (Serum Separator Tube)
Light Green
Dark Green
Lavender
Gray
Breaking down the mnemonic
Let's break down the mnemonic to understand the significance of each step:
- Blood Cultures: The first step in the order of draw is collecting blood cultures. This is crucial for detecting bacterial infections in the bloodstream.
- Light Blue: The next step is the light blue tube, which is used for coagulation studies. The additive in this tube is Sodium Citrate, which prevents blood from clotting.
- Red: The red tube is used for various tests, including blood typing, cross-matching, and chemistry tests. No additives are present in this tube.
- Gold/Tiger/SST: The gold, tiger, or SST Tube contains a gel separator that separates serum from blood cells. This tube is used for general chemistry tests.
- Light Green: The light green tube is used for plasma determinations in chemistry tests. The additive in this tube is lithium Heparin.
- Dark Green: The dark green tube is used for chemistry tests that require plasma determinations. The additive in this tube is sodium Heparin.
- Lavender: The lavender tube is used for hematology tests and contains the Anticoagulant EDTA.
- Gray: The final step in the order of draw is the gray tube, which is used for glucose testing. The additive in this tube is Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride.
Importance of following the correct order of draw
Following the correct order of draw is essential for ensuring the accuracy of laboratory Test Results and maintaining patient safety. By following the mnemonic for the order of draw, healthcare professionals can prevent Cross-Contamination, ensure accurate Test Results, and provide quality care to patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the correct order of draw is crucial for collecting blood specimens in a medical lab setting in the United States. By following the mnemonic and using the proper sequence of tubes, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate Test Results, prevent contamination, and maintain patient safety. It is essential for healthcare professionals to be well-versed in the order of draw to provide quality care to their patients and contribute to the efficiency of the laboratory process.
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.