Understanding the Role of Citrate in Blood Collection Tubes: Types, Function, and Importance

Summary

• Citrate is used in blood collection tubes to prevent coagulation by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are crucial for the coagulation process.
• There are different types of citrate tubes used in healthcare settings, such as light blue, green, and purple top tubes, each serving specific purposes in laboratory testing.
• Understanding how citrate works in blood collection tubes is essential for accurate and reliable Test Results in clinical settings.

Introduction

In healthcare settings, blood collection tubes play a vital role in ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory Test Results. Citrate is commonly used in blood collection tubes to prevent coagulation, which can interfere with various tests. By understanding how citrate works in blood collection tubes, healthcare professionals can ensure the quality of patient care in clinical settings.

Types of Citrate Tubes

There are different types of citrate tubes used in blood collection, each serving specific purposes in laboratory testing. The most common types of citrate tubes include:

Light Blue Top Tubes

1. These tubes contain Sodium Citrate, which binds to calcium ions in the blood to prevent coagulation.
2. They are commonly used for coagulation and coagulation factor testing, such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) tests.
3. Light Blue Top tubes are essential for monitoring patients on Anticoagulant therapy.

Green Top Tubes

1. These tubes contain lithium Heparin and ammonium Heparin along with Sodium Citrate.
2. They are used for plasma determinations in chemistry tests, such as glucose and electrolyte levels.
3. Green top tubes are suitable for tests that require plasma separation.

Purple Top Tubes

1. Also known as EDTA tubes, these contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) along with Sodium Citrate.
2. They are used for tests that require whole blood specimens, such as complete blood count (CBC) tests.
3. Purple top tubes are essential for preserving cell morphology in blood samples.

How Citrate Prevents Coagulation

Citrate works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are crucial for the coagulation cascade. Calcium ions are essential for the activation of clotting factors and the formation of a fibrin clot. By chelating these calcium ions, citrate inhibits the coagulation process, allowing blood to remain in a liquid state suitable for laboratory testing.

Steps in Citrate Blood Collection

1. Before blood collection, the healthcare professional verifies the patient's identity and ensures proper patient preparation.
2. The healthcare professional selects the appropriate blood collection tube based on the tests ordered.
3. The healthcare professional collects the blood specimen using standard Venipuncture techniques.
4. After blood collection, the tube is gently inverted several times to ensure adequate mixing of the citrate additive with the blood sample.
5. The tube is then labeled with the patient's information and sent to the laboratory for processing.

Importance of Citrate in Clinical Settings

Using citrate in blood collection tubes is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory Test Results in clinical settings. Coagulated blood samples can lead to erroneous Test Results, affecting patient care and treatment decisions. By understanding the role of citrate in preventing coagulation, healthcare professionals can ensure the quality and accuracy of diagnostic testing.

Conclusion

Citrate is a crucial additive used in blood collection tubes to prevent coagulation and ensure the integrity of blood samples for laboratory testing. By using citrate tubes appropriately and understanding how citrate works in blood collection, healthcare professionals can provide high-quality patient care in clinical settings.

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