Understanding the Color-Coded System of Blood Collection Tubes for Healthcare Professionals
Summary
- There are different colored tubes used for blood collection in medical lab settings for specific tests and purposes.
- Each colored tube contains different additives or anticoagulants to prevent blood clotting and preserve the blood sample for accurate testing.
- Understanding the color-coded system of blood collection tubes is crucial for healthcare professionals to collect and handle blood samples correctly.
Introduction
In medical lab settings, the collection of blood samples is an essential part of diagnosing and monitoring patients' health. Different colored tubes are used for blood collection, each serving a specific purpose based on the tests that will be conducted. These color-coded tubes contain various additives or anticoagulants to ensure the blood sample remains viable for accurate testing. Understanding the significance of each colored tube is crucial for healthcare professionals to collect and handle blood samples correctly.
Types of Blood Collection Tubes
Red Tube
The red tube, also known as the serum tube, does not contain any additives or anticoagulants. After the blood is collected, the tube is allowed to clot, and then the serum is separated from the clot by centrifugation. The serum can be used for a variety of tests, including glucose, cholesterol, and liver function tests.
Lavender Tube
The lavender tube contains the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which prevents blood clotting by binding calcium. This tube is commonly used for hematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood cell morphology evaluation.
Green Tube
The green tube contains the Anticoagulant Heparin, which inhibits thrombin formation and prevents blood clotting. This tube is used for tests that require plasma, such as electrolyte panels and ammonia levels.
Gray Tube
The gray tube contains the Anticoagulant Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate. Sodium Fluoride preserves glucose levels in the blood sample, while Potassium Oxalate prevents blood clotting. This tube is primarily used for glucose and alcohol testing.
Light Blue Tube
The light blue tube contains Sodium Citrate, an Anticoagulant that binds calcium ions and prevents blood clotting. This tube is used for coagulation studies, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
Yellow Tube
The yellow tube contains the Anticoagulant acid citrate dextrose (ACD) solution, which is used for blood cultures to prevent the clotting of blood during transportation to the lab.
Tiger Top Tube
The tiger top tube, also known as a serum separator tube (SST), is a gold or red-gray speckled tube that contains a gel separator and Clot Activator. After centrifugation, the gel forms a barrier between the serum and clot, allowing for easy serum separation. This tube is commonly used for chemistry tests that require serum samples.
Conclusion
Understanding the different colored tubes used for blood collection in a medical lab setting is vital for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. Each colored tube serves a specific purpose and contains additives or anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting and preserve the blood sample. By adhering to the color-coded system of blood collection tubes, healthcare professionals can effectively collect, handle, and process blood samples for diagnostic purposes.
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