Green Top Blood Tubes: Uses, Tests, and Collection Guide

Summary

• Green top blood tubes are used for specific types of blood tests that require plasma or whole blood.
• These tubes contain sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant, preventing clotting during testing.
• They are commonly used in clinical labs and hospitals for various diagnostic procedures.

Introduction

When you visit a medical laboratory or hospital for blood work, you may notice that different colored tubes are used to collect your blood samples. Each color represents a specific additive or Anticoagulant used in the tube to aid in the blood collection process and ensure accurate Test Results. One of the commonly used tubes in clinical settings is the green top blood tube, which serves a specific purpose in collecting blood samples for various diagnostic procedures.

What is a Green Top Blood Tube?

A green top blood tube, also known as a lithium Heparin tube, contains an Anticoagulant called sodium Heparin. This additive prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting the clotting mechanism, allowing for the collection of plasma or whole blood for testing purposes. These tubes are typically used for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples that are not affected by the Anticoagulant in the tube.

Types of Tests Using Green Top Blood Tubes

Green top blood tubes are commonly used in clinical labs and hospitals for various Diagnostic Tests that require plasma or whole blood samples. Some of the common tests that may use a green top blood tube include:

1. Liver function tests: These tests measure the levels of enzymes and proteins in the blood to evaluate liver function and detect liver disorders.
2. Electrolyte panel: This test measures the levels of electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, to assess the body's electrolyte balance.
3. Arterial blood gas analysis: This test measures the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the blood to evaluate respiratory function and acid-base balance.
4. Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): These tests assess the blood's ability to clot properly and evaluate the effectiveness of Anticoagulant therapy.
5. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) testing: This test helps diagnose an immune reaction to Heparin therapy that can cause a decrease in platelet levels.

Why Use a Green Top Blood Tube?

Green top blood tubes are specifically designed for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples that are not affected by the Anticoagulant in the tube. Sodium Heparin, the Anticoagulant used in green top tubes, prevents the blood from clotting by inhibiting the clotting cascade, allowing for the separation of plasma from the blood cells during testing. The plasma or whole blood collected in a green top tube can then be used for a wide range of diagnostic procedures that require an anticoagulated sample.

Collection and Handling of Green Top Blood Tubes

When collecting blood samples in a green top blood tube, it is essential to follow proper phlebotomy techniques to ensure the integrity of the sample and accurate Test Results. Phlebotomists should:

1. Verify the patient's identity and label the tube with the patient's information to avoid sample mix-ups.
2. Invert the tube gently several times after collection to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant.
3. Place the tube in a centrifuge and spin it at the recommended speed and time to separate the plasma from the blood cells.
4. Transfer the plasma or whole blood to the appropriate testing containers or tubes for further analysis.
5. Store the samples at the recommended temperature and conditions to maintain sample stability until testing can be performed.

Conclusion

Green top blood tubes play a crucial role in the collection of blood samples for various Diagnostic Tests that require plasma or whole blood. The sodium Heparin Anticoagulant in these tubes prevents the blood from clotting, allowing for accurate Test Results and proper Sample Handling. By understanding the purpose of using a green top blood tube in a medical laboratory or phlebotomy setting, healthcare professionals can ensure the integrity of blood samples and provide accurate diagnostic information to patients.

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