Types Of Blood Collection Tubes

When it comes to drawing blood for medical purposes, using the right type of blood collection tube is crucial. Different tubes are designed to preserve blood samples for specific types of tests, and using the wrong tube can potentially lead to inaccurate results. In this article, we will discuss the most common types of blood collection tubes used in healthcare settings.

1. Serum Tubes

Serum tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require serum, the liquid portion of the blood that is obtained after the blood has clotted. These tubes do not contain any anticoagulants, allowing the blood to clot naturally. Once the blood has clotted, the tube is centrifuged to separate the serum from the clot. Serum tubes are typically red or gold in color.

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2. Plasma Tubes

Plasma tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require plasma, the liquid portion of the blood that is obtained before the blood has clotted. These tubes contain anticoagulants that prevent the blood from clotting. Once the blood is collected, the tube is centrifuged to separate the plasma from the blood cells. Plasma tubes are typically green, lavender, or blue in color.

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3. EDTA Tubes

EDTA tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require whole blood or plasma for analysis. These tubes contain the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which binds calcium ions in the blood to prevent clotting. EDTA tubes are typically lavender or pink in color.

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4. Heparin Tubes

Heparin tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require plasma. These tubes contain the anticoagulant heparin, which inhibits the clotting process by inactivating thrombin and preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Heparin tubes are typically green in color.

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5. Citrate Tubes

Citrate tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require plasma for coagulation studies. These tubes contain the anticoagulant sodium citrate, which binds calcium ions in the blood to prevent clotting. Citrate tubes are typically light blue in color.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right type of blood collection tube is essential to ensure the accuracy of test results. Understanding the different types of tubes and their uses can help healthcare providers collect high-quality blood samples for analysis. By using the appropriate tube for each test, healthcare professionals can provide accurate diagnoses and treatment for their patients.

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