Blood collection tubes are an essential part of laboratory testing, playing a crucial role in preserving the integrity and accuracy of blood samples. These tubes are meticulously designed to contain specific additives that ensure the stability and usability of blood components for various diagnostic tests. Each tube i...
Common Blood Collection Tubes and Their Uses
The most commonly used blood collection tubes and their associated additives are summarized below:
Gold or Tiger Top (Red-Gray)
Gold or Tiger Top tubes, also known as serum separator tubes (SST), are designed for serum testing. They contain a clot activator and a gel separator. The clot activator promotes the formation of a blood clot, while the gel separator forms a physical barrier between the serum and the clot. This separation process allows for the collection of pure serum, which is essential for a wide range of tests, including:
- Chemistry tests (e.g., electrolytes, liver function tests, renal function tests)
- Serology tests (e.g., antibody detection, viral load)
- Hormone testing
Black Top
Black Top tubes are designed for blood culture testing. They contain sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS), an anticoagulant that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. This is crucial for ensuring the accurate identification of microorganisms in blood samples.
Light Blue Top
Light Blue Top tubes contain sodium citrate, a potent anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by binding calcium ions. These tubes are primarily used for coagulation testing, which evaluates the blood's clotting ability. Common coagulation tests include:
- Prothrombin time (PT)
- Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- International Normalized Ratio (INR)
Lavender Top
Lavender Top tubes contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a powerful anticoagulant that chelates calcium ions, preventing blood coagulation. These tubes are widely used for hematology testing, which examines the components of blood, including:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood cell morphology
- Reticulocyte count
Royal Blue Top
Royal Blue Top tubes are typically used for trace metal analysis. They contain either EDTA or heparin, depending on the specific metal being measured. These tubes are essential for minimizing contamination from trace metals found in other tube additives.
Gray Top
Gray Top tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, acting as both an anticoagulant and a glycolytic inhibitor. These tubes are primarily used for glucose testing as the sodium fluoride prevents the breakdown of glucose in the blood sample. This is crucial for accurate glucose measurements in various conditions, such as diabetes monitoring.
Selecting the Right Tubes for Dr. Hodges' Orders
To answer the question posed, the correct tubes for Dr. Hodges' order would be:
- Lavender Top: For the complete blood count (CBC)
- Gold or Tiger Top: For the basic metabolic panel (BMP)
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of blood collection tubes and their associated additives is vital for laboratory professionals. Choosing the correct tube ensures the collection and preservation of blood samples for accurate and reliable diagnostic testing. By carefully selecting tubes based on the specific tests ordered, laboratories contribute to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.