Understanding the Order Of Tubes Used In Phlebotomy

Summary

• Understanding the order of tubes used in phlebotomy is essential for proper blood collection and processing.
• The most common order of tubes used in phlebotomy includes the collection of blood in specific colored tubes to ensure accurate Test Results.
• Following the correct order of tubes in phlebotomy helps prevent contamination and ensures the reliability of the Test Results.

Introduction

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient for various medical tests, transfusions, donations, or research purposes. The order in which blood is collected into different tubes during phlebotomy is crucial to ensure accurate Test Results. Understanding the proper order of tubes used in phlebotomy is essential for phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals who handle blood collection and processing.

The Order of Tubes Used in Phlebotomy

1. The Vacutainer System

The most commonly used method for blood collection in phlebotomy is the Vacutainer system, which involves using vacuum-sealed tubes of various colors to collect blood for different tests. Each tube has specific additives or coatings that help preserve the integrity of the blood sample and prevent clotting or contamination.

2. The Order of Tubes

In phlebotomy, the tubes are typically collected in a specific order to prevent Cross-Contamination and ensure the reliability of Test Results. The most common order of tubes used in phlebotomy includes:

1. Red or Gold-Top Tube (No Additive): This tube is used for collecting serum samples, which are typically used for tests that require blood serum, such as cholesterol, glucose, and liver function tests.
2. Lavender or Purple-Top Tube (EDTA Additive): This tube is used for collecting whole blood samples for hematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, and coagulation studies.
3. Light Blue-Top Tube (Sodium Citrate Additive): This tube is used for coagulation tests, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
4. Green-Top Tube (Heparin Additive): This tube is used for collecting plasma samples for tests such as electrolytes, ammonia, and arterial blood gases.
5. Gray-Top Tube (Oxalate/Fluoride Additive): This tube is used for collecting blood samples for glucose testing, as the additives help preserve the blood sugar levels in the sample.

3. Specialized Tubes

In addition to the standard color-coded tubes used in phlebotomy, there are also specialized tubes that may be used for specific tests or research purposes. These tubes may include:

1. Black-Top Tube (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfate Additive): This tube is used for Blood Culture collection to detect the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in the blood sample.
2. Yellow-Top Tube (ACD Additive): This tube is used for blood bank tests, DNA testing, and other specialized tests that require the preservation of white blood cells and platelets.
3. Orange-Top Tube (Thrombin Additive): This tube is used for rapid serum sample collection and clotting tests that require immediate separation of serum from whole blood.
4. White-Top Tube (Acid Citrate Dextrose Additive): This tube is used for DNA testing, paternity testing, and other tests that require the preservation of DNA in the blood sample.

Conclusion

Understanding the order of tubes used in phlebotomy is essential for proper blood collection and processing. By following the correct order of tubes, phlebotomists can ensure the accuracy and reliability of Test Results, prevent contamination, and provide quality care to patients. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with the different types of tubes used in phlebotomy and their specific purposes to effectively collect and handle blood samples for various tests.

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