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PусскийBlood collection tubes are essential tools in the laboratory, such as anticoagulant centrifuge tube, used for collecting and preserving blood samples for various diagnostic tests. The choice of tube and the anticoagulant it contains play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results. This article will explore the different types of blood collection tubes, with a specific focus on those containing anticoagulants, and their significance in laboratory testing.
Understanding Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes are typically made of glass or plastic and are color coded based on the additive they contain.
Laboratory test results rely heavily on the quality of the specimen provided. If there is any uncertainty about the appropriate type of specimen to collect, it is crucial to contact the laboratory to clarify the order and specimen requirements.
Most laboratory tests require serum, anticoagulated plasma, or whole blood. For specific requirements, please refer to the individual test directory listings.
Plasma: Collect a sufficient amount of blood using the specified anticoagulant to obtain the required plasma volume. Immediately after collection, gently mix the blood by inverting the anticoagulant tube 8-10 times. Most samples need the plasma to be separated from the cells within two hours, although some tests require separation within 15-30 minutes. For further details, consult the laboratory test directory. All specimens must be delivered to the laboratory within four hours of collection.
Serum: Collect enough blood to produce the necessary serum volume. Invert the tube 5-10 times to initiate clotting. Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes. Avoid hemolysis.
Whole Blood: Collect an adequate amount of blood using the specified anticoagulant. Immediately after collection, gently mix the blood by inverting the tube 8-10 times. Note that tubes intended for whole blood analysis should not be centrifuged or separated.
All patient specimens must be placed in biohazard bags for transport to the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Tubes
Gold-Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)
This tube contains a clot activator and a serum gel separator, making it suitable for a variety of chemistry, serology, and immunology tests. However, if a test specifically requires a red-top tube, do not substitute it with a gold-top/SST tube, as the gel separator can interfere with the test results.
Instructions: After collecting the specimen, gently invert the tube to activate the clotting process. Allow the tube to stand for 20-30 minutes before centrifuging it for 10 minutes. If the test requires frozen serum, transfer the serum into a plastic vial and freeze it. Do not freeze the original Vacutainer® tubes.
Red-Top Tube, Plastic
This plastic Vacutainer® tube contains a clot activator but no anticoagulants, preservatives, or gel separator. It is used to collect serum for specific laboratory tests as indicated. When a red-top tube is required, do not use a gold-top/SST tube, as the gel separator in the SST tube can interfere with the test analysis.
Red-Top Tube, Glass
This plain glass Vacutainer® tube does not contain any clot activators, anticoagulants, preservatives, or gel separators. It is often used for Blood Bank tests, where the purity of the sample is essential.
Pink-Top Tube (EDTA)
This tube contains EDTA as an anticoagulant and is primarily used for blood bank tests. EDTA prevents blood from clotting, preserving the sample for analysis.
Instructions: After filling the tube with blood, immediately invert it 8-10 times to ensure the blood is thoroughly mixed with the EDTA, providing adequate anticoagulation of the specimen.
Light Green-Top Tube (Lithium Heparin)
This tube contains lithium heparin and a gel separator, making it suitable for the collection of heparinized plasma for routine chemistry tests. Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, while the gel separator aids in plasma separation.
Instructions: After filling the tube with blood, immediately invert it 8-10 times to mix the blood with the heparin, ensuring proper anticoagulation of the sample.
Dark Green-Top Tube (Sodium Heparin)
This tube contains sodium heparin, which is used to collect heparinized plasma or whole blood for specialized tests.
Instructions: After filling the tube with blood, gently invert it 8-10 times to mix the blood with the sodium heparin, ensuring proper anticoagulation.
Gray-Top Tube (Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride)
This tube contains potassium oxalate as an anticoagulant and sodium fluoride as a preservative. It is primarily used to preserve glucose levels in whole blood and for certain special chemistry tests.
Instructions: After collecting the blood, immediately invert the tube 8-10 times to ensure the contents are well mixed, providing adequate anticoagulation and preservation.
Lavender-Top Tube (EDTA)
Containing EDTA as an anticoagulant, this tube is commonly used for most hematological procedures and is preferred for molecular tests.
Instructions: After filling the tube with blood, invert it 8-10 times to ensure thorough mixing with the EDTA. To prevent red blood cell (RBC) shrinkage and ensure accurate hematocrit (HCT) and RBC indices, the tube must be filled to the appropriate volume. Tubes are available in various draw volumes (e.g., 2.0 mL, 3.0 mL, 5.0 mL, and 0.75 mL microvettes). It is recommended that the tube be filled with at least half of the stated volume to maintain the correct EDTA-to-blood ratio.
Royal Blue-Top Tube
There are two types of royal blue-top Monoject® tubes: one contains EDTA as an anticoagulant, while the other is plain. These tubes are used for collecting whole blood or serum for trace element analysis.
Instructions: Refer to the individual test listing to determine which type of royal blue-top tube (EDTA or plain) is needed for the specific metal analysis.
Yellow-Top Tube (ACD)
This tube contains Acid-Citrate-Dextrose (ACD) and is used for collecting whole blood for special tests.
Instructions: After blood collection, invert the tube 8-10 times to mix the blood with the ACD, ensuring proper anticoagulation.
Pearl White-Top Tube (Plasma Preparation Tube - PPT)
This tube contains EDTA and a special polyester material, making it ideal for collecting plasma for molecular tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
Instructions: After filling the tube, immediately invert it 8-10 times to ensure the blood is adequately mixed with the EDTA and polyester material.
Special Collection Tubes
Certain tests require specific tubes to ensure proper analysis. It is essential to contact the laboratory before drawing the patient's blood to obtain the correct tubes for tests like metal analysis or other specialized tests as detailed in the individual test listings.
