Proper Order of Draw and Additives for Blood Sample Collection in the United States

Summary

• Proper order of draw is crucial in blood sample collection to prevent Cross-Contamination and inaccurate results.
• The correct order of draw includes tubes with different additives to preserve the integrity of the samples.
• Understanding the proper order of draw and additives is essential for healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals in the United States.

Introduction

In a medical lab setting, proper blood sample collection is essential to ensure accurate Test Results and prevent Cross-Contamination. The order in which blood tubes are drawn and the additives used in each tube play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the samples. Healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals in the United States must follow the proper order of draw and use the appropriate additives to ensure the reliability of Test Results.

Order of Draw

The proper order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood tubes are filled during a blood draw procedure. Following the correct order of draw is essential to prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. The order of draw is based on the type of additives present in each tube and the tests that will be performed on the collected blood samples.

Proper Order of Draw

1. Yellow or SPS tube - used for blood cultures to prevent contamination.
2. Light Blue tube - contains Sodium Citrate and is used for coagulation studies.
3. Red tube - does not contain any additives and is used for serum tests.
4. Gold or Tiger Top tube - contains a Clot Activator and gel separator and is used for chemistry tests.
5. Light Green tube - contains sodium Heparin and is used for plasma determinations.
6. Dark Green tube - contains lithium Heparin and is used for plasma determinations.
7. Lavender tube - contains EDTA and is used for hematology tests.
8. Gray tube - contains Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate and is used for glucose testing.

Importance of Proper Order of Draw

Following the proper order of draw is crucial in blood sample collection to prevent contamination and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. Mixing up the order of draw can lead to inaccurate results, as additives from one tube can contaminate subsequent tubes, affecting the tests being performed. Healthcare professionals must be diligent in following the correct order of draw to maintain the integrity of the blood samples and provide reliable results to patients.

Additives for Blood Sample Collection

Each blood collection tube contains specific additives that help preserve the integrity of the blood sample and ensure accurate Test Results. Understanding the additives used in each tube is essential for healthcare professionals in clinical labs and hospitals in the United States.

Common Additives Used in Blood Collection Tubes

1. Sodium Citrate - used in light blue tubes for coagulation studies.
2. Clot Activator and Gel Separator - used in gold or tiger top tubes for chemistry tests.
3. Sodium Heparin - used in light green tubes for plasma determinations.
4. Lithium Heparin - used in dark green tubes for plasma determinations.
5. EDTA - used in lavender tubes for hematology tests.
6. Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate - used in gray tubes for glucose testing.

Role of Additives in Blood Sample Collection

The additives used in blood collection tubes serve specific purposes in preserving the integrity of the blood sample and ensuring accurate Test Results. Sodium Citrate prevents blood from clotting in the light blue tube, allowing for coagulation studies to be performed. Clot Activator and gel separator in gold or tiger top tubes facilitate serum separation for chemistry tests. Sodium Heparin and lithium Heparin prevent blood from clotting in green tubes, enabling plasma determinations. EDTA in lavender tubes preserves cell morphology for hematology tests, while Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate in gray tubes inhibit glycolysis for accurate glucose testing.

Conclusion

Proper order of draw and the use of appropriate additives are crucial in blood sample collection in a medical lab setting in the United States. Healthcare professionals must adhere to the correct order of draw to prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. Understanding the additives used in each blood collection tube is essential for maintaining the integrity of blood samples and providing reliable diagnostic information to patients.

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