Blood Collection Tubes Guide for Laboratories and Hospitals

Blood collection tubes are among the most vital tools used in hospitals, laboratories, and other clinical settings. Choosing an appropriate tube from a reliable blood collection tube supplier can create a significant impact in the results of your lab work, irrespective of whether you are examining plasma or serum. 

Each blood specimen requires different handling and additives to ensure its viability for specific tests. The understanding of a particular tube’s uses based on the type of necessary blood component enables you to obtain precise results in both clinical and research settings. 

Therefore, this blog will provide a guide for laboratories and hospitals by explaining the meaning, significance, and different types of blood collection tubes. 

What is a Blood Collection Tube?

Blood Collection Tubes, also called phlebotomy or Vacutainer tubes, are sterile containers used to collect and transport blood samples for medical examination or testing. The tube can store a specific volume of blood, typically 2-10 millilitres, depending on the type and intended application. 

The tubes are made of glass or plastic and contain additives such as preservatives or anticoagulants that help maintain the quality of blood samples during testing. They are available in various types, sizes, and colours, as each offers a unique combination of additives, suitable as for specific requirements. 

Importance of Blood Collection Tubes

Blood collection tubes play a critical role in the collection and examination of the blood sample. They are essential tools used by healthcare professionals to collect patients’ blood specimens for diagnostic testing, donation, and other research purposes. 

The tubes ensure the reliability and accuracy of the final blood test results by providing a standardized, controlled environment for the blood samples. The additives in each tube preserve sample integrity, further preventing degradation or clotting. 

Thus, it is essential to use the tubes correctly to get accurate diagnostic results. However, different types of tubes are used for various tests, and selecting the most appropriate tube is vital to prevent contamination or errors. 

Different Types of Tubes

A few common types of blood collection tubes include:

• Serum Separator Tube (SST): The tube separates the serum from the blood cells after centrifugation through a gel separator. It is used for various tests such as serology, hormone assays and blood chemistry. 
• Heparin Tube: The tube includes heparin, which prevents blood from clotting. It is used for plasma tests, including fibrinogen assays, coagulation studies, and thrombin time.
• Sodium Citrate Tube: The sodium citrate present in this tube acts as an anticoagulant. It is used for coagulation assays, including D-dimer, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and prothrombin time (PT). 

Conclusion

Blood collection tubes are essential for collecting and transporting blood samples for various purposes. Healthcare professionals can achieve optimal results by selecting the correct blood collection tubes.