Types Of Blood Collection Tubes For Home Health Care

Article

Apr 7

When it comes to home health care, blood collection tubes are an essential tool for healthcare providers to collect and store blood samples for various tests and diagnostics. There are several types of blood collection tubes available, each serving a different purpose depending on the type of test being conducted. In this article, we will discuss the different types of blood collection tubes commonly used in home health care settings.

Vacutainer Tubes

Vacutainer tubes are the most commonly used blood collection tubes in healthcare settings. These tubes are vacuum-sealed and come pre-filled with additives that help preserve the blood sample for testing. Vacutainer tubes come in various colors, with each color representing a different additive or anticoagulant used in the tube.

Common types of Vacutainer tubes include:

Red top tubes: These tubes typically contain no additives and are used for collecting serum samples for tests such as blood glucose, cholesterol, and liver function.
Purple top tubes: These tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant used to prevent blood from clotting, and are used for tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing.
Green top tubes: These tubes contain heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting thrombin, and are used for tests such as electrolyte levels and ammonia levels.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each type of Vacutainer tube to ensure accurate and reliable test results.

Microtainer Tubes

Microtainer tubes are smaller in size compared to Vacutainer tubes and are commonly used for collecting small volumes of blood, especially in pediatric and geriatric patients. These tubes typically contain additives such as EDTA or heparin and are available in different colors similar to Vacutainer tubes.

Common types of Microtainer tubes include:

Blue top tubes: These tubes contain citrate, an anticoagulant that binds calcium in the blood, and are used for tests such as coagulation studies.
Gray top tubes: These tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which are used to preserve glucose levels in the blood for tests such as glucose tolerance tests.

Microtainer tubes are ideal for use in home health care settings due to their compact size and ease of use, making them convenient for collecting blood samples from patients in their own homes.

SST Tubes

SST (Serum Separator Tubes) tubes are another type of blood collection tubes commonly used in home health care settings. These tubes contain a gel separator that separates serum from whole blood after the sample has been centrifuged. SST tubes are typically red or gold in color and contain clot activators and gel separators to facilitate the separation process.

Some common tests that require SST tubes include liver function tests, kidney function tests, and hormone tests. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for SST tubes to ensure proper storage and handling of the blood sample for accurate test results.

Conclusion

There are several types of blood collection tubes available for use in home health care settings, each serving a specific purpose depending on the type of test being conducted. Vacutainer tubes, Microtainer tubes, and SST tubes are some of the most commonly used blood collection tubes, each with its unique characteristics and additives to preserve and store blood samples for testing. It is essential for healthcare providers to be familiar with the different types of blood collection tubes and their uses to ensure accurate and reliable test results for patients receiving care at home.

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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.