Comparison Of Blood Collection Tubes For Plasma Preparation

Article

Apr 5

When it comes to the preparation of plasma for medical testing, the type of blood collection tube used can have a significant impact on the results. Different tubes are designed to preserve different components of blood, such as proteins, enzymes, and other analytes, making it crucial to choose the right tube for the job. In this article, we will compare some of the most commonly used blood collection tubes for plasma preparation, highlighting their key features and advantages.

EDTA Tubes

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes are a popular choice for plasma preparation in many clinical settings. These tubes contain EDTA, a chelating agent that binds calcium and other metal ions in the blood, preventing coagulation and preserving the integrity of the plasma. EDTA tubes are commonly used for tests that require whole blood or plasma, such as hematology tests, blood cell counts, and DNA analysis.

Advantages of EDTA Tubes:

Prevents coagulation of blood
Preserves blood cell morphology
Compatible with a wide range of tests

Heparin Tubes

Heparin tubes are another common choice for plasma preparation. Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the clotting process by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III. Heparin tubes are often used for tests that require plasma, such as blood chemistry tests, hormone assays, and drug level monitoring.

Advantages of Heparin Tubes:

Prevents clotting of blood
Minimizes interference with test results
Facilitates plasma separation

Sodium Citrate Tubes

Sodium citrate tubes are commonly used for coagulation studies and other tests that require plasma. Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant that works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the formation of clots. These tubes are essential for tests such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen assays.

Advantages of Sodium Citrate Tubes:

Preserves clotting factors in the blood
Minimizes the risk of clot formation during sample processing
Allows for accurate coagulation testing

Serum Separator Tubes

Serum separator tubes (SSTs) contain a gel separator that forms a barrier between the blood cells and the serum after centrifugation. This allows for easy and clean separation of serum from the blood cells, making them ideal for tests that require serum instead of plasma. SSTs are commonly used for tests such as glucose, cholesterol, liver function tests, and infectious disease screening.

Advantages of Serum Separator Tubes:

Facilitates clean separation of serum
Reduces the risk of cellular contamination in the sample
Compatible with a wide range of tests that require serum

Conclusion

Choosing the right blood collection tube for plasma preparation is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable test results. Each type of tube has its own unique advantages and is designed for specific testing purposes. By understanding the differences between EDTA tubes, heparin tubes, sodium citrate tubes, and serum separator tubes, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about which tube to use based on the requirements of the test being performed.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.