Types of Preservatives Used in Blood Collection Tubes in the United States
Summary
- Various types of preservatives are used in blood collection tubes for different laboratory tests in the United States.
- The choice of preservative depends on the specific requirements of the test being conducted and the stability of the analytes in the blood sample.
- Common preservatives include EDTA, sodium fluoride, and citrate, each serving a unique purpose in maintaining the integrity of the sample.
Introduction
Medical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing valuable information for diagnostic, treatment, and prevention purposes. Blood collection tubes are an essential tool in the laboratory setting, as they allow for the collection and preservation of blood samples for various tests. These tubes often contain preservatives to maintain the stability of the blood samples and ensure accurate Test Results. In the United States, different types of preservatives are used in blood collection tubes for specific laboratory tests. Understanding the types of preservatives and their applications is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of laboratory Test Results.
Types of Preservatives
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
EDTA is a chelating agent commonly used as a preservative in blood collection tubes for hematology tests. It works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the coagulation of blood samples. EDTA is available in different forms, such as K2EDTA and K3EDTA, with K3EDTA being the preferred choice for most hematology tests. Some common hematology tests that require EDTA as a preservative include complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and blood smear evaluation.
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride is a glycolysis inhibitor that is commonly used in blood collection tubes for glucose testing. It works by inhibiting the enzyme enolase, which is involved in the breakdown of glucose in the blood sample. Sodium fluoride is often combined with potassium oxalate to enhance its glycolysis-inhibiting properties. Blood samples collected in tubes containing sodium fluoride are typically used for Fasting blood sugar tests, glucose tolerance tests, and other tests that require accurate measurement of glucose levels.
Citrate
Citrate is a preservative commonly used in blood collection tubes for coagulation tests. It works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, preventing the clotting of blood samples. Citrate is available in different concentrations, with 3.2% and 3.8% citrate solutions being the most common choices for coagulation testing. Some common coagulation tests that require citrate as a preservative include Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), and fibrinogen levels.
Other Preservatives
In addition to EDTA, sodium fluoride, and citrate, there are several other preservatives that may be used in blood collection tubes for specific laboratory tests:
- Heparin: A commonly used Anticoagulant that prevents the clotting of blood samples. Heparin is often used in plasma tubes for tests that require plasma separation, such as chemistry tests.
- Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS): An antimicrobial agent that is used in Blood Culture tubes to prevent the growth of bacteria in blood samples.
- Gel separator: A material that forms a barrier between serum and blood cells in serum separator tubes, allowing for easy separation of serum for testing.
Choosing the Right Preservative
The choice of preservative in blood collection tubes is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory Test Results. Laboratory professionals must consider the specific requirements of the test being conducted and the stability of the analytes in the blood sample when selecting a preservative. Factors to consider when choosing the right preservative include:
- The type of test being conducted and the analytes being measured
- The stability of the analytes in the blood sample
- The volume of blood needed for the test
- The storage and transportation conditions of the blood sample
Conclusion
Preservatives play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of blood samples collected for laboratory testing. Understanding the different types of preservatives used in blood collection tubes and their applications is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory Test Results. By choosing the right preservative based on the specific requirements of the test, laboratory professionals can ensure that blood samples are preserved properly and that Test Results are accurate and consistent.
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