How To Use Veterinary Blood Collection Tubes

Article

Apr 6

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to use veterinary blood collection tubes. Collecting blood samples is an essential part of diagnosing and treating animals in a veterinary setting. Having the right equipment and knowing how to use it properly is crucial for obtaining accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will walk you through the steps for using veterinary blood collection tubes effectively.

Types of Veterinary Blood Collection Tubes

Before we delve into the specific steps for using blood collection tubes, let's first review the different types of tubes available for veterinary use. Each type of tube is designed for collecting and processing blood samples for different purposes, so it's important to select the right tube for the specific test you are performing. Here are some common types of veterinary blood collection tubes:

Plain Red Top Tubes: These tubes do not contain any additives and are used for collecting serum samples.
Lavender Top Tubes: These tubes contain EDTA, which is an anticoagulant used for collecting whole blood samples for hematology tests.
Green Top Tubes: These tubes contain heparin, which is an anticoagulant used for collecting plasma samples.
Blue Top Tubes: These tubes contain citrate, which is an anticoagulant used for coagulation tests.

Steps for Using Veterinary Blood Collection Tubes

1. Prepare the Animal

Before collecting a blood sample, it's important to properly prepare the animal to ensure a safe and stress-free experience. Make sure the animal is calm and restrained, and that the area where the blood will be collected is clean and sanitized.

2. Select the Appropriate Blood Collection Tube

Once the animal is ready, select the appropriate blood collection tube based on the type of test you are performing. Remember to check the expiration date and ensure the tube is not damaged in any way.

3. Locate a Suitable Vein

Locate a suitable vein for collecting the blood sample. The most common site for blood collection in animals is the jugular vein, but other sites may be used depending on the size and species of the animal.

4. Prepare the Collection Site

Clean the collection site with a sterile antiseptic solution to prevent contamination of the blood sample. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding with the blood collection.

5. Collect the Blood Sample

Once the collection site is prepared, proceed with collecting the blood sample using the appropriate technique for the chosen blood collection tube. Here are some general guidelines for collecting blood samples:

For plain red top tubes: Use a needle and syringe to collect the blood sample directly into the tube. Invert the tube gently to mix the blood with the clot activator.
For lavender top tubes: Fill the tube to the specified volume line to ensure the proper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio. Invert the tube several times to mix the blood with the anticoagulant.
For green top tubes: Fill the tube to the specified volume line and invert several times to mix the blood with the heparin anticoagulant.
For blue top tubes: Fill the tube to the specified volume line and invert several times to mix the blood with the citrate anticoagulant.

6. Label the Blood Collection Tube

After collecting the blood sample, be sure to label the tube with the animal's information, the date and time of collection, and any other relevant details. Proper labeling is essential for accurate sample identification and tracking.

7. Store and Transport the Blood Sample

Once the blood sample is collected and labeled, store it according to the manufacturer's instructions until it can be transported to the laboratory for testing. Some samples may need to be kept cold or protected from light to maintain their integrity.

Conclusion

Properly collecting and handling blood samples is essential for accurate diagnostic testing in veterinary medicine. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using the appropriate veterinary blood collection tubes, you can ensure that your blood samples are collected and processed correctly. Remember to always follow best practices for blood collection and handling to obtain reliable and useful test results for your animal patients.

We hope this guide has been helpful in understanding how to use veterinary blood collection tubes effectively. If you have any further questions or need more information, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance. Thank you for reading!

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.

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.