Types Of Blood Tubes Used In Point-Of-Care Testing

Article

Apr 7

Point-of-care testing (POCT) allows for rapid diagnostic testing outside of the traditional laboratory setting, providing quick results that can inform immediate patient care decisions. One crucial component of POCT is the blood tube used to collect and transport the blood sample. Different types of blood tubes are available for various purposes in healthcare settings. In this article, we will explore the different types of blood tubes commonly used in point-of-care testing.

Vacutainer Tubes

Vacutainer tubes are a type of blood collection tube that contains a vacuum to facilitate efficient blood collection. These tubes come in various sizes and colors, each designed for specific tests and additives. Vacutainer tubes are commonly used in clinical settings for blood collection and point-of-care testing due to their ease of use and efficient design.

Types of Vacutainer Tubes

There are several types of vacutainer tubes commonly used in point-of-care testing:

Red-Top Tubes: These tubes are used for serum chemistry tests, blood bank studies, and serology tests
Yellow-Top Tubes: These tubes contain an additive (ACD solution) to prevent blood clotting and are used for collecting whole blood for molecular diagnostic testing
Light-Blue Top Tubes: These tubes contain citrate as an anticoagulant and are used for coagulation studies

Microtainer Tubes

Microtainer tubes are small, disposable blood collection tubes used for collecting small quantities of blood. These tubes are commonly used in point-of-care testing and pediatric settings where only a small amount of blood is needed for testing. Microtainer tubes are available in various sizes and colors, with each color indicating a different additive or purpose.

Types of Microtainer Tubes

There are several types of microtainer tubes commonly used in point-of-care testing:

Green-Top Tubes: These tubes contain heparin as an anticoagulant and are used for plasma determinations in chemistry
Purple-Top Tubes: These tubes contain EDTA as an anticoagulant and are used for hematology testing
Gray-Top Tubes: These tubes contain sodium fluoride as a preservative and potassium oxalate as an anticoagulant and are used for glucose testing

EDTA Tubes

EDTA tubes are blood collection tubes that contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant. These tubes are commonly used in laboratory settings for hematology testing and blood cell analysis. EDTA tubes are essential for preventing blood clotting and preserving blood samples for accurate testing.

Uses of EDTA Tubes

EDTA tubes are primarily used for the following purposes:

Hematology Testing: EDTA tubes are used for complete blood counts (CBC), blood cell differentials, and other hematology tests
Blood Bank Testing: EDTA tubes are used for blood grouping, cross-matching, and antibody screening in blood banks
DNA Testing: EDTA tubes are used for DNA extraction and molecular diagnostic testing

Conclusion

Choosing the right blood tube for point-of-care testing is essential for accurate and reliable test results. Understanding the different types of blood tubes and their uses can help healthcare providers make informed decisions when collecting and transporting blood samples for rapid diagnostic testing. Whether using vacutainer tubes, microtainer tubes, or EDTA tubes, selecting the appropriate tube for the specific test can streamline the testing process and improve patient care outcomes.

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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.