Blood collection tubes are essential medical devices medical professionals use to collect and transport blood samples. They come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, each designed to serve a specific purpose. Depending on the type of test being performed, the type of blood collection tube used will vary.
Here, your trusted source of high-quality medical supplies shares more about the different types of blood collection tubes:
Different Types of Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes are containers used to collect and store blood samples. They are typically made of plastic or glass and have various features that make them useful for collecting and storing samples.
Plain Red-Top Tube
The most common type of blood collection tube is the plain red-top tube. This tube is used for collecting whole blood samples and is the most common type of tube used in clinical laboratories. The red-top tube contains an anticoagulant, usually sodium citrate, to prevent blood clotting during sample collection.
Green-Top Tube
Another type of tube used for blood collection is the green-top tube. This tube collects serum samples and contains an anticoagulant called sodium heparin. The heparin prevents the clotting of the sample during collection. It allows the sample to be separated into serum and clot components.
Purple-Top Tube
The purple-top tube is used for collecting plasma samples and contains an anticoagulant called EDTA. EDTA prevents the clotting of the sample and allows the sample to be separated into plasma and cell components.
Gray-Top Tube
The gray-top tube is used for collecting platelet-poor plasma samples and contains an anticoagulant called citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD). CPD prevents the clotting of the sample during collection and allows the sample to be separated into plasma and cell components.
Yellow-Top Tube
The yellow-top tube is used for collecting samples that require special handling. This tube contains no anticoagulant and is used to collect samples that require special storage conditions, such as cell cultures or tissue samples.
PInk-Top Tube
The last type of blood collection tube is the pink-top tube. This tube is used for collecting heparinized plasma samples and contains an anticoagulant called sodium heparin. The heparin prevents the clotting of the sample during collection. It allows the sample to be separated into plasma and cell components.
Blood collection tubes are essential for collecting and storing samples for medical testing. They are available in different sizes and colors to accommodate different samples and prevent contamination. Selecting the correct tube type for each sample is crucial to ensure accurate results.
What Is "Order of Draw"?
Order of draw is a set of instructions that must be followed when collecting a blood sample for laboratory testing. It is an integral step in ensuring that the lab test results are accurate and reliable.
The order of draw matters because it helps to prevent contamination of the sample. Contamination can occur if the wrong type of tube is used or if the collection process is not done in the correct order. It can also happen if the sample is exposed to air or if the sample is exposed to other substances that can alter the results of the test.
The order of draw typically starts with the collection of a "purge" or "discard" tube. This tube is used to flush out the line and remove any air bubbles or other debris that may be present. The next step is to collect the sample from the patient. Different types of blood collection tubes may be required depending on the type of test being performed.
For instance, a plain red-top tube should be used if the test requires a serum sample. If the test requires a plasma sample, a green-top tube should be used. If the test calls for a heparinized sample, then a lavender-top tube needs to be used.
Conclusion
Blood collection tubes are essential medical supplies used to collect, transport, and store blood samples for laboratory testing. The type of tube used is determined by the type of test being performed, as each tube is filled with different anticoagulants, preservatives, and additives to influence the accuracy of results. Different colors of tubes are also used to differentiate between the types of tests being performed. By understanding the different types of blood collection tubes and their significance, healthcare professionals can ensure that accurate results are obtained and that the best possible care is provided to patients.
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