Recommended Blood Collection Tubes For Plasma Extraction

Article

Apr 5

Blood collection tubes are an essential tool in the field of healthcare. They are used to collect blood samples for various purposes, such as diagnostic testing, monitoring of certain health conditions, and research studies. When it comes to plasma extraction, it is crucial to use the right type of blood collection tubes to ensure accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will discuss the different types of blood collection tubes that are recommended for plasma extraction.

Vacutainer Tubes

Vacutainer tubes are the most commonly used blood collection tubes for plasma extraction. These tubes are made of glass or plastic and come in various sizes, depending on the volume of blood that needs to be collected. Vacutainer tubes contain additives that prevent blood clotting and help separate the plasma from the red blood cells. The most commonly used additive for plasma extraction is EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

Recommended Vacutainer Tubes for Plasma Extraction

Heparin Tubes

Heparin tubes are another type of blood collection tubes that are used for plasma extraction. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood. Heparin tubes come in two different types: lithium heparin and sodium heparin. These tubes are commonly used for plasma extraction in chemistry and coagulation testing.

Recommended Heparin Tubes for Plasma Extraction

Citrate Tubes

Citrate tubes are used for coagulation testing, and they contain sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. These tubes are used to measure the clotting ability of blood and are commonly used in tests such as PT (prothrombin time) and APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time). Citrate tubes are essential for monitoring patients on anticoagulant therapy and for the diagnosis of bleeding disorders.

Recommended Citrate Tubes for Plasma Extraction

EDTA Tubes

EDTA tubes are commonly used for plasma extraction in hematology and molecular testing. EDTA acts as an anticoagulant by binding to the calcium ions in the blood, preventing blood clotting. EDTA tubes are essential for maintaining the integrity of the blood sample and are commonly used for tests such as CBC (complete blood count) and DNA testing.

Recommended EDTA Tubes for Plasma Extraction

Conclusion

Choosing the right blood collection tubes is crucial for accurate and reliable plasma extraction. Vacutainer tubes, heparin tubes, citrate tubes, and EDTA tubes are the most commonly used tubes for plasma extraction in various types of diagnostic testing. By using the recommended blood collection tubes for plasma extraction, healthcare professionals can ensure the integrity of the blood sample and obtain accurate test results.

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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.