Blood Collection Tubes: Importance, Types, and Handling in Healthcare Settings

Summary

• Blood collection tubes are used to collect samples for chemistry tests in healthcare settings.
• The most commonly used blood collection tube for chemistry tests is the red-stoppered tube, which contains a Clot Activator.
• Proper handling and labeling of blood collection tubes are crucial for accurate Test Results.

Introduction

When a patient needs to have blood drawn for chemistry tests, Healthcare Providers use blood collection tubes to collect the samples. These tubes come in a variety of colors and stoppers, each designed for different types of tests. In this article, we will explore the type of blood collection tube typically used to collect samples for chemistry tests in the context of home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States.

Red-Stopped Tube for Chemistry Tests

The most commonly used blood collection tube for chemistry tests is the one with a red stopper. This tube contains a Clot Activator, which helps the blood to clot faster and separates the serum from the blood cells. The serum is then used for various chemistry tests, such as glucose, cholesterol, electrolytes, and liver function tests.

Other Blood Collection Tubes

While the red-stopped tube is the standard choice for chemistry tests, there are other types of blood collection tubes used for specific tests:

1. Green-stopped tube: Contains Heparin as an Anticoagulant and is used for plasma chemistry tests.
2. Blue-stopped tube: Contains Sodium Citrate as an Anticoagulant and is used for coagulation tests.
3. Lavender-stopped tube: Contains EDTA as an Anticoagulant and is used for complete blood count (CBC) tests.
4. Gray-stopped tube: Contains Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate as preservatives and is used for glucose testing.

Proper Handling of Blood Collection Tubes

Proper handling of blood collection tubes is essential to ensure accurate Test Results:

1. Labeling: Each tube must be labeled with the patient's name, date of birth, the date and time of collection, and the initials of the phlebotomist.
2. Storage: Blood collection tubes should be stored upright and at room temperature to prevent contamination or clotting.
3. Transportation: Tubes should be transported to the laboratory promptly to prevent degradation of the sample.
4. Processing: Tubes should be centrifuged to separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells before testing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the red-stopped blood collection tube is typically used to collect samples for chemistry tests in healthcare settings. However, there are other types of tubes used for specific tests, such as green, blue, lavender, and gray-stopped tubes. Proper handling and labeling of blood collection tubes are crucial for accurate Test Results, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.



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