Types Of Capillary Blood Collection Tubes

Capillary blood collection tubes are essential tools in healthcare settings for collecting small amounts of blood for various diagnostic tests. There are several types of capillary blood collection tubes available, each designed for specific purposes. In this article, we will discuss the different types of capillary blood collection tubes and their uses.

Plain Capillary Blood Collection Tubes

Plain capillary blood collection tubes are used to collect blood samples for general diagnostic purposes. These tubes do not contain any anticoagulants or additives, making them suitable for a wide range of tests.

Uses:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Glucose testing
3. Lipid profile testing

Plain capillary blood collection tubes are typically made of glass or plastic, with a small volume capacity to accommodate the small amount of blood collected from a finger prick or heel stick.

Anticoagulant Capillary Blood Collection Tubes

Anticoagulant capillary blood collection tubes contain substances that prevent blood clotting, allowing for accurate test results that require liquid blood samples. These tubes are commonly used for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples.

Common anticoagulants used in capillary blood collection tubes:

1. EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid)
2. Heparin
3. Citrate

Anticoagulant capillary blood collection tubes are color-coded to indicate the type of anticoagulant present in the tube. It is important to use the correct tube for specific tests to avoid inaccurate results.

Separator Gel Capillary Blood Collection Tubes

Separator gel capillary blood collection tubes are designed to separate the blood cells from the serum or plasma after centrifugation. These tubes contain a gel barrier that forms a visible layer between the blood cells and the serum or plasma, allowing for easy separation.

Uses:

1. Chemistry tests
2. Serology tests
3. Immunology tests

The separator gel in these tubes helps prevent hemolysis and allows for accurate test results by minimizing sample contamination. It is crucial to follow proper handling and centrifugation procedures to ensure optimal separation of blood components.

Microcontainer Capillary Blood Collection Tubes

Microcontainer capillary blood collection tubes are small tubes with limited volume capacity, ideal for collecting small amounts of blood from pediatric patients or patients with difficult venous access. These tubes are designed for convenience and ease of use in collecting capillary blood samples.

Features of microcontainer capillary blood collection tubes:

1. Luer-slip cap for easy filling
2. Transparent tube for visual confirmation of blood collection
3. Cap with integrated lancet for finger prick

Microcontainer capillary blood collection tubes are available in different sizes to accommodate various sample volumes. These tubes are commonly used in point-of-care testing and emergency departments for rapid diagnostic testing.

Conclusion

Capillary blood collection tubes play a crucial role in obtaining blood samples for diagnostic testing in healthcare settings. Different types of capillary blood collection tubes are available, each designed for specific purposes to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Understanding the different types of capillary blood collection tubes and their uses is essential for healthcare professionals to select the appropriate tube for specific tests and to ensure proper handling and processing of blood samples.

References:

1. https://www.bdbiosciences.com/ds/capillary-blood-collection
2. https://www.antibodies-online.com/resources/14/5331/capillaries-in-biology-how-to-embed-and-image-ultra-thin-tissue-sections/7/
3. https://www.gbo.com/en_GB/th/products/serum-collection-tubes-for-blood-sampling.html

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