Storage Procedures For Blood Collection Tubes

Article

Apr 7

When it comes to collecting blood samples, proper storage procedures are essential to ensure accurate results and maintain the integrity of the samples. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of proper storage procedures for blood collection tubes and provide some guidelines to help you properly store blood samples.

The Importance of Proper Storage

Proper storage of blood collection tubes is crucial to maintain the stability of the samples and ensure accurate test results. Improper storage can lead to degradation of the sample, resulting in inaccurate test results and potentially compromising patient care. Some of the factors that can affect the stability of blood samples include temperature, exposure to light, and time elapsed since the sample was collected.

Temperature

One of the most critical factors in the storage of blood collection tubes is temperature. Blood samples should be stored at the appropriate temperature to prevent degradation of the sample. Most blood collection tubes should be stored at room temperature, although some specialized tubes may require refrigeration or freezing. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage temperature to ensure the stability of the sample.

Exposure to Light

Exposure to light can also affect the stability of blood samples. Blood collection tubes should be stored in a dark environment to prevent light-induced degradation of the sample. It is best to store blood samples in opaque containers or in a dark cabinet to protect them from light exposure.

Time Elapsed

The time elapsed since the sample was collected can also impact the stability of blood samples. It is essential to process and analyze blood samples as soon as possible after collection to ensure accurate results. If a sample cannot be processed immediately, it should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions to maintain sample stability.

Guidelines for Proper Storage

Here are some guidelines to help you properly store blood collection tubes:

Store blood collection tubes at the appropriate temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
Avoid exposure to light by storing samples in opaque containers or in a dark cabinet.
Process and analyze blood samples as soon as possible after collection to prevent degradation of the sample.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage and handling of blood collection tubes.

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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.