Yellow Top Tubes: Importance in Coagulation Studies and Processing in Clinical Labs

Written By Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Summary

  • Yellow top tubes are typically used to collect blood for coagulation studies, including Prothrombin Time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
  • These tubes contain Sodium Citrate as an anticoagulant, which helps prevent blood clotting by binding to calcium ions in the blood.
  • Once the blood is collected in the yellow top tube, it is usually centrifuged to separate the plasma from the cells before being tested in the lab.

Introduction

In the field of healthcare, clinical laboratories play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. One common type of specimen collection tube used in medical labs is the yellow top tube. In the United States, yellow top tubes are primarily used for collecting blood samples for coagulation studies. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of yellow top tubes, the type of specimen collected in them, and their importance in the healthcare setting.

What is a Yellow Top Tube?

A yellow top tube is a type of vacutainer tube used to collect blood samples for coagulation studies. These tubes are specifically designed to contain an Anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting during transport and processing in the laboratory. The most common Anticoagulant found in yellow top tubes is Sodium Citrate, which works by binding to calcium ions in the blood and inhibiting the clotting process.

Specimen Collection in Yellow Top Tubes

When a healthcare provider needs to collect a blood sample for coagulation studies, they will typically use a yellow top tube. The process involves the following steps:

  1. The healthcare provider will assess the patient's venous access and select an appropriate site for blood collection.
  2. A Tourniquet is applied to the patient's arm to help locate a suitable vein for the blood draw.
  3. The healthcare provider will clean the skin with an antiseptic solution to prevent contamination of the blood sample.
  4. Using a sterile syringe or vacutainer system, the healthcare provider will draw the appropriate amount of blood into the yellow top tube.
  5. Once the blood is collected, the tube is gently inverted several times to ensure proper mixing with the anticoagulant.
  6. The tube is then labeled with the patient's information, including their name, date of birth, and medical record number.

Importance of Yellow Top Tubes in Coagulation Studies

Coagulation studies are essential for evaluating a patient's hemostasis – the body's ability to form and dissolve blood clots. By collecting blood samples in yellow top tubes with Sodium Citrate, Healthcare Providers can accurately assess various coagulation parameters, including:

  1. Prothrombin Time (PT): Measures the time it takes for blood to clot and evaluates the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade.
  2. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT): Assesses the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade and helps detect deficiencies in clotting factors.
  3. International Normalized Ratio (INR): Standardizes PT results to ensure consistency across different laboratories and test methods.

These coagulation tests are vital for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as bleeding disorders, liver disease, and coagulopathy. By using yellow top tubes to collect blood samples, Healthcare Providers can obtain reliable and accurate results for better patient care.

Processing of Yellow Top Tube Specimens in the Lab

Once the blood samples are collected in yellow top tubes, they are transported to the clinical laboratory for processing and testing. The following steps are typically involved in handling yellow top tube specimens:

  1. The yellow top tubes are inspected for proper labeling and Specimen Integrity upon arrival at the lab.
  2. The tubes are centrifuged at high speeds to separate the plasma (liquid portion of blood) from the cells (red blood cells and platelets).
  3. The plasma is then transferred to a secondary tube for coagulation testing, while the cells may be used for other laboratory analyses.
  4. The coagulation tests are performed using automated analyzers or manual techniques to evaluate the patient's clotting function.
  5. The results of the coagulation studies are interpreted by Healthcare Providers to make clinical decisions regarding patient care and treatment.

Conclusion

Yellow top tubes play a crucial role in collecting blood samples for coagulation studies in the medical laboratory setting. By using these tubes with Sodium Citrate as an anticoagulant, Healthcare Providers can assess a patient's coagulation parameters accurately and efficiently. Coagulation tests such as PT, PTT, and INR are essential for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions, and yellow top tubes help ensure reliable results for patient care. Understanding the significance of yellow top tubes in clinical labs can enhance the quality of diagnostic testing and improve outcomes for patients with coagulation disorders.

a-phlebotomist-demonstrates-how-to-collect-blood

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Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Emily Carter is a certified phlebotomist with over 8 years of experience working in clinical laboratories and outpatient care facilities. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, Emily became passionate about promoting best practices in phlebotomy techniques and patient safety. She has contributed to various healthcare blogs and instructional guides, focusing on the nuances of blood collection procedures, equipment selection, and safety standards.

When she's not writing, Emily enjoys mentoring new phlebotomists, helping them develop their skills through hands-on workshops and certifications. Her goal is to empower medical professionals and patients alike with accurate, up-to-date information about phlebotomy practices.

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