The Standard Order of Draw for Blood Collection in the United States: Importance and Sequence

Summary

• The standard order of draw for blood collection in the United States is crucial for accurate Test Results
• It follows a specific sequence based on the test tube color chart to prevent sample contamination
• Understanding the order of draw can help healthcare professionals perform blood collections effectively

Introduction

When it comes to blood collection for clinical lab tests in the United States, following the standard order of draw is essential. This protocol ensures the accuracy of Test Results and prevents sample contamination. By understanding the order of draw and the corresponding test tube colors, healthcare professionals can perform blood collections efficiently and effectively.

Order of Draw for Blood Collection

The standard order of draw for blood collection in the United States is as follows:

1. Yellow Tube (Sterile)

The yellow tube, also known as a sterile tube, is typically used for blood cultures. It is crucial to draw this tube first to prevent any contamination of the sample with additives from other tubes.

2. Light Blue Tube (Sodium Citrate)

The light blue tube contains Sodium Citrate and is used for coagulation studies. Drawing this tube second ensures that the sample is not contaminated with additives from other tubes, which could affect the Clotting Time.

3. Red Tube (No Additive or Clot Activator)

The red tube, which does not contain any additives or clot activators, is commonly used for various tests, including chemistry panels and blood bank samples. Drawing this tube third helps prevent contamination of the sample with anticoagulants from other tubes.

4. Tiger Top Tube (Serum Separator Tube)

The tiger top tube, also known as a serum separator tube, contains a gel that separates serum from cells after centrifugation. This tube is typically used for chemistry tests and should be drawn after the red tube to prevent contamination.

5. Green Tube (Heparin)

The green tube contains Heparin and is used for various types of chemistry tests. Drawing this tube after the tiger top tube ensures that the sample is not contaminated with additives or clot activators from earlier tubes.

6. Lavender Tube (EDTA)

The lavender tube contains EDTA and is used for hematology tests. Drawing this tube after the green tube helps prevent contamination with other additives and clot activators.

7. Gray Tube (Oxalate/Fluoride)

The gray tube contains oxalate and fluoride and is commonly used for glucose testing. Drawing this tube last in the order of draw ensures that the sample is not contaminated with additives from other tubes.

Importance of Following the Order of Draw

Following the standard order of draw for blood collection is crucial for several reasons:

1. Prevents sample contamination: Drawing the tubes in the correct order helps prevent contamination of the sample with additives from other tubes, which could affect Test Results.
2. Ensures accuracy of Test Results: By following the order of draw, healthcare professionals can ensure that Test Results are accurate and reliable, leading to better patient care.
3. Compliance with industry standards: Adhering to the standard order of draw is essential for maintaining quality in clinical lab testing and ensuring consistency across healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

Understanding the standard order of draw for blood collection in the United States is essential for healthcare professionals working in home healthcare, clinical lab, and hospitals. By following the correct sequence based on the test tube color chart, they can ensure the accuracy of Test Results and prevent sample contamination. Adhering to industry standards and best practices for blood collection plays a crucial role in delivering quality patient care.

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