Types of Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes: An Essential Guide in the United States
Summary
- Vacuum blood collection tubes are an essential tool in phlebotomy procedures in the United States
- There are several common types of vacuum blood collection tubes used in medical labs
- Each type of tube serves a specific purpose and is color-coded for easy identification
Introduction
Phlebotomy is a crucial part of the healthcare system, involving the collection of blood samples for various lab tests and procedures. Vacuum blood collection tubes play a significant role in this process, as they help ensure the accuracy and efficiency of blood collection. In the United States, there are several common types of vacuum blood collection tubes used in medical labs. Each type of tube serves a specific purpose and is color-coded for easy identification.
Types of Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes
SST (Serum Separator Tube)
The SST Tube is one of the most common types of vacuum blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy procedures. It contains a gel separator that separates serum from clot cells after centrifugation. The serum can then be used for various lab tests, such as lipid panels and liver function tests. The SST Tube is typically gold or red in color and has a stopper with a gel barrier.
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid) Tube
The EDTA tube is another common type of vacuum blood collection tube used in the United States. It contains an Anticoagulant called EDTA, which prevents blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions. This type of tube is often used for hematological tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC) and blood typing. The EDTA tube is typically lavender or pink in color.
Plain Red or Glass Serum Tube
The plain red or glass serum tube is a simple vacuum blood collection tube without any additives. It is used for collecting serum samples for various tests that do not require any additives or anticoagulants. The plain red tube is typically red or clear in color and is commonly used for blood banking tests and some immunochemistry tests.
Citrate Tube
The citrate tube is used for coagulation tests, as it contains an Anticoagulant called Sodium Citrate. This additive binds to calcium ions, preventing blood from clotting and allowing for accurate coagulation testing. The citrate tube is typically light blue in color and is used for tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
Heparin Tube
The Heparin tube contains the Anticoagulant Heparin, which prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting thrombin. This type of tube is commonly used for tests that require plasma, such as electrolyte panels and some coagulation tests. The Heparin tube is typically green or light green in color and has a stopper with a gel barrier to separate plasma from clot cells.
Conclusion
Overall, vacuum blood collection tubes are essential tools in phlebotomy procedures in the United States. There are several common types of tubes used in medical labs, each serving a specific purpose and color-coded for easy identification. Understanding the different types of vacuum blood collection tubes is crucial for phlebotomists and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and efficient blood collection for diagnostic testing.
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