How Is Blood Collected In A Lavender Top Tube

Introduction

When you visit a healthcare provider for a blood test, you may notice that they use different colored tubes to collect your blood samples. One common type of tube used for blood collection is the Lavender Top tube. In this article, we will explore how blood is collected in a Lavender Top tube and why this particular tube is used for certain types of blood tests.

What is a Lavender Top Tube?

A Lavender Top tube is a type of blood collection tube that is typically used for collecting blood samples for various hematological tests. The tube itself is made of plastic or glass and contains a special additive called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) that helps preserve the blood sample and prevent it from clotting.

Benefits of Using a Lavender Top Tube

There are several benefits to using a Lavender Top tube for blood collection:

1. EDTA helps preserve the blood sample by chelating calcium ions, which are necessary for the blood to clot.
2. It is an efficient way to collect blood for hematological tests, as the additive in the tube ensures that the blood remains in a liquid state for accurate analysis.
3. The lavender color of the tube serves as a visual indicator for laboratory staff to easily identify the type of blood sample collected.

How is Blood Collected in a Lavender Top Tube?

When collecting blood in a Lavender Top tube, Healthcare Providers follow a standard procedure to ensure that the sample is collected correctly and safely. Here is a step-by-step guide on how blood is collected in a Lavender Top tube:

1. Prepare the necessary equipment: Before collecting the blood sample, Healthcare Providers gather all the necessary equipment, including the Lavender Top tube, a needle, and an alcohol swab.
2. Verify the patient's information: Healthcare Providers confirm the patient's identity and ensure that they are collecting the correct blood sample.
3. Select the Venipuncture site: The healthcare provider selects a suitable vein in the patient's arm to collect the blood sample.
4. Prepare the patient: The healthcare provider cleans the selected site with an alcohol swab to sterilize the area.
5. Perform the Venipuncture: Using a needle attached to a syringe or vacuum tube holder, the healthcare provider performs the Venipuncture to draw the blood sample.
6. Fill the Lavender Top tube: After successfully obtaining the blood sample, the healthcare provider carefully transfers the blood into the Lavender Top tube to fill it to the required level.
7. Mix the blood with the EDTA: To ensure proper mixing of the blood with the EDTA additive, the healthcare provider gently inverts the Lavender Top tube several times.
8. Label the tube: The healthcare provider labels the Lavender Top tube with the patient's information, including their name, date of birth, and the date and time of the blood collection.
9. Send the sample to the laboratory: Once the blood sample is collected and properly labeled, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Uses of Blood Collected in a Lavender Top Tube

Blood samples collected in Lavender Top tubes are primarily used for hematological tests, which help Healthcare Providers diagnose and monitor various blood disorders and conditions. Some common uses of blood collected in a Lavender Top tube include:

1. Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is a common blood test that measures various components of the blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test can help detect anemia, infections, and other blood-related disorders.
2. Hemoglobin A1c test: This test measures the average Blood Glucose levels over the past two to three months and is used to monitor Diabetes Management and long-term blood sugar control.
3. Coagulation studies: Blood collected in a Lavender Top tube can also be used to test for blood Clotting Disorders or monitor the effectiveness of Anticoagulant medications.

Conclusion

Overall, blood collection in a Lavender Top tube is a routine and essential procedure in healthcare settings, particularly for hematological tests. By following the proper collection methods and using the appropriate equipment, Healthcare Providers can ensure that blood samples are accurately collected and preserved for accurate analysis. Understanding how blood is collected in a Lavender Top tube and its uses can help patients feel more informed and involved in their healthcare processes.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on phlebotomy practices and healthcare. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.