BLOOD COOLECTION TUBES

STOPPER COLOR CONTENTS VOL.

Gold Top (Serum Separator, "SST") Contains separating gel and clot activator 6.0 mL

Light Blue - Yellow Label on Tube Thrombin 2.0 mL

Mint Green Lithium Heparin with PST gel (plasma separator tube) 7.0 mL

Dark Green with Stripes on label Sodium heparin (100 USP Units) 5.0 mL .

The blood collected into these tubes is allowed to clot for 15 to 30 minutes prior to centrifugation..

Additional information*

Blood Collection Tubes

Blood collection tubes are an essential tool in medical laboratories, specifically designed to facilitate the safe and reliable collection, storage, and transport of blood samples for various diagnostic tests. These tubes come in a variety of types and are meticulously engineered to meet the rigorous standards required for accurate and efficient blood sample collection and analysis.

Types of Blood Collection Tubes

Vacuum Tubes

Vacuum tubes are sophisticated blood collection devices that utilize a pre-determined vacuum to ensure a precise quantity of blood is drawn during collection. This vacuum mechanism helps in minimizing errors related to blood volume and enhances the consistency and reliability of the samples collected. These tubes are sealed with a rubber stopper that maintains the vacuum integrity, aiding in the ease of collection and handling.

Non-Vacuum Tubes

Non-vacuum tubes, as the name suggests, do not contain a vacuum to draw blood. Instead, they rely on a sterile environment within a test tube, often made of glass or plastic, which is covered with a rubber stopper. This stopper creates a seal that helps maintain sterile conditions within the tube. Non-vacuum tubes are typically used for collecting specific volumes of blood or other liquids where precise vacuum control is not required.

Stopper Colors and Contents

Each type of blood collection tube is differentiated by the color of its stopper and the contents inside, which are formulated to meet specific testing needs. Below is a detailed description of the various stopper colors and their respective contents:

1. Gold Top (Serum Separator, "SST")

• Contents: Contains separating gel and clot activator
• Volume: 6.0 mL
• Purpose: Gold-top tubes, also known as Serum Separator Tubes (SST), contain a special gel that separates the blood cells from the serum upon centrifugation. The clot activator facilitates rapid clotting of the blood sample, making these tubes ideal for serum-related testing such as hormone levels, antibodies, and chemistry panels.

2. Light Blue - Yellow Label on Tube

• Contents: Thrombin
• Volume: 2.0 mL
• Purpose: These tubes contain thrombin, a clot-promoting protein. They are primarily used for coagulation studies where rapid clot formation is necessary. The light blue stopper with a yellow label indicates it is specifically calibrated for coagulation assays, ensuring precise and reliable results.

3. Mint Green

• Contents: Lithium Heparin with PST gel (plasma separator tube)
• Volume: 7.0 mL
• Purpose: Mint green top tubes are used for plasma separation. The Lithium Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood from clotting, while the plasma separator tube (PST) gel facilitates the separation of plasma from other blood components. These tubes are commonly used in chemistry tests requiring plasma.

4. Dark Green with Stripes on Label

• Contents: Sodium heparin (100 USP Units)
• Volume: 5.0 mL
• Purpose: Dark green top tubes, containing sodium heparin, are used for plasma determinations in chemistry tests. Sodium heparin serves as an anticoagulant that prevents clotting, making these tubes ideal for tests that require stable plasma samples.

Blood Collection Procedure

Understanding the proper usage and handling of blood collection tubes is critical for obtaining accurate and reliable results. Below are the general steps for blood collection using these specialized tubes:

1. Preparation: Ensure that all necessary equipment, including the correct type of blood collection tube, is prepared and within reach. Verify patient information and confirm the specific tests required.

2. Venipuncture: Perform the venipuncture using high-sterility techniques. Insert the needle at a proper angle to access the vein and ensure efficient blood flow.

3. Collection: For vacuum tubes, allow the tube to fill to its pre-determined volume automatically. For non-vacuum tubes, draw the required volume of blood manually. Ensure that the stopper is securely in place to maintain sterile conditions and appropriate vacuum levels.

4. Clotting and Centrifugation: Blood collected in tubes containing clot activators should be allowed to clot for 15 to 30 minutes prior to centrifugation. This time allows the blood to fully coagulate, ensuring proper separation of serum or plasma during centrifugation.

5. Labeling and Transport: Properly label each tube with patient information and specific test details. Transport the tubes to the laboratory for analysis following strict guidelines to preserve the integrity of the samples.

Contact Information

For more detailed information or specific inquiries regarding blood collection tubes, please contact:

• Phone: 9907892146

Conclusion

Blood collection tubes are a vital component in the medical