Proper Order of Draw for Phlebotomy Procedures in the United States
Summary
- Understanding the correct order of draw is crucial for phlebotomy procedures in the United States.
- Following the proper order of draw helps ensure accurate Test Results and prevents sample contamination.
- There are specific tests that should be collected in a particular order to maintain the integrity of the samples.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for diagnosing medical conditions, monitoring treatment, and conducting tests. In the United States, there is a specific order of draw that phlebotomists must follow to ensure accurate Test Results and prevent sample contamination. Understanding the correct order of draw and knowing which tests to perform first is essential in the healthcare industry. Let's explore the proper order of draw and the tests commonly performed during phlebotomy procedures.
Order of Draw
The order of draw refers to the sequence in which different blood collection tubes should be filled during a phlebotomy procedure. Following the correct order of draw is essential to prevent sample contamination and ensure accurate Test Results. The order of draw is based on the type of additives present in the blood collection tubes and the tests that will be performed on the blood samples. The general order of draw is as follows:
1. Blood Cultures
First, blood cultures should be collected to avoid contaminating the samples with bacteria from the skin. Blood cultures are typically collected in bottles containing a special growth medium that allows bacteria to grow if present in the bloodstream.
2. Coagulation Tubes
Next, coagulation tubes should be collected to prevent the samples from being contaminated by anticoagulants used in other tubes. Coagulation tubes are used to test a patient's blood clotting ability and may contain additives such as Sodium Citrate or EDTA.
3. Serum Tubes
After collecting blood cultures and coagulation tubes, serum tubes should be collected. Serum tubes are used to collect blood samples for various tests that require serum, such as glucose, cholesterol, and liver function tests. Serum tubes typically do not contain anticoagulants.
4. Plasma Tubes
Plasma tubes should be collected after serum tubes. These tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require plasma, such as electrolyte panels and drug levels. Plasma tubes may contain anticoagulants like Heparin or EDTA.
5. Heparin Tubes
Finally, Heparin tubes should be collected last in the order of draw. Heparin tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require anticoagulated plasma or whole blood. Heparin tubes may contain lithium or sodium Heparin as anticoagulants.
Common Tests and their Order
There are specific tests that should be performed in a particular order to maintain the integrity of the samples and ensure accurate results. Below are some common tests and their recommended order of draw:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- Lipid Panel
- Liver Function Tests
- Thyroid Function Tests
Conclusion
Understanding the correct order of draw and knowing which tests to perform first is essential for phlebotomy procedures in the United States. Following the proper order of draw helps ensure accurate Test Results and prevents sample contamination, ultimately benefiting patient care and treatment. Phlebotomists should be well-versed in the order of draw and the tests commonly performed to maintain the integrity of blood samples and provide quality healthcare services.
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