Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-04-29 Origin: Site
In the realm of clinical diagnostics, the method of collecting blood samples directly impacts the quality and reliability of test results. Whole blood collection is particularly important for specific analyses that require unaltered blood components. A critical factor in this process is the correct selection of the Blood-Collection-Tube. Different tubes are designed for specific uses, and selecting the wrong tube can compromise sample integrity and test accuracy.
In this article, we will delve into which Blood-Collection-Tube is appropriate for whole blood collection, examine the additives involved, and explain best practices for preserving whole blood samples.
Whole blood is blood drawn directly from the body without separating its components such as plasma or serum. It contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma in their natural proportions. Whole blood is commonly used for hematological tests, blood typing, and certain molecular assays.
To maintain the integrity of whole blood, it’s essential that the Blood-Collection-Tube prevents clotting while preserving cellular structures. Therefore, the tubes used for whole blood collection typically contain anticoagulants, which inhibit clot formation.
Preserving whole blood correctly ensures that analytical results for parameters like cell counts, hemoglobin concentration, and blood gases are accurate and reflective of the patient's physiological condition.
Several types of Blood-Collection-Tube are suitable for whole blood collection, each containing specific anticoagulants to match the requirements of various tests:
Additive: EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
Purpose: Primarily used for complete blood counts (CBC), blood smears, and blood typing.
Why: EDTA is the anticoagulant of choice for preserving blood cells without altering their morphology, making it ideal for hematology testing.
Additive: Heparin (either lithium heparin or sodium heparin)
Purpose: Used for plasma determinations in chemistry and for blood gas analysis.
Why: Heparin prevents clotting and is suitable for tests requiring plasma without causing significant changes to the blood components.
Additive: Sodium citrate
Purpose: Used for coagulation studies such as PT, APTT, and D-dimer tests.
Why: Sodium citrate preserves clotting factors, allowing accurate assessment of the blood’s coagulation capability.
All of these tubes are designed to maintain whole blood in a fluid, unclotted state until testing occurs. Proper handling and the right Blood-Collection-Tube selection are crucial for ensuring high-quality diagnostic outcomes.
At Hunan Ruitai Medical, our Blood-Collection-Tube products are manufactured using advanced vacuum technology, ensuring a consistent and accurate blood draw volume. Our tubes also offer excellent additive stability, maintaining sample integrity during transport and storage.
Using the correct Blood-Collection-Tube is only part of the process. Best practices during collection and handling are equally important to preserve the quality of whole blood samples:
After collecting the blood, gently invert the tube 5-10 times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant. Vigorous shaking can cause hemolysis, damaging blood cells.
Immediately label each Blood-Collection-Tube with the patient’s information. Mislabeling can lead to serious diagnostic errors.
Whole blood samples should be processed or tested as soon as possible after collection. Prolonged delays can lead to cell degradation and inaccurate results.
If testing is not immediate, whole blood samples must be stored under appropriate conditions, usually refrigerated at 2-8°C, unless otherwise specified.
Following these guidelines ensures that each Blood-Collection-Tube fulfills its purpose and contributes to reliable, actionable diagnostic information.
JIANGSU HXRT MD Co., Ltd is a leading manufacturer of premium Blood-Collection-Tube products. Our tubes are crafted from high-grade PET plastic, offering excellent visibility, durability, and chemical resistance. They feature high-precision additives, ensuring optimal sample preservation for a wide range of diagnostic applications.
We offer:
EDTA Tubes for hematology
Heparin Tubes for clinical chemistry
Citrate Tubes for coagulation studies
Customized solutions for specific clinical or research needs
Our commitment to quality ensures that healthcare providers can rely on our Blood-Collection-Tube solutions to support accurate and timely patient diagnoses.
Whole blood collection is a fundamental process in medical testing, and selecting the right Blood-Collection-Tube is critical to preserving sample integrity. Lavender top (EDTA), green top (heparin), and light blue top (sodium citrate) tubes are the primary choices for whole blood collection, each suited for specific types of analyses.
By understanding the purpose and properties of each Blood-Collection-Tube, healthcare professionals can ensure the accuracy of diagnostic results and improve patient care outcomes.
