2. OBJECTIVES
• Know the importance and functions of various blood tubes
used in the laboratory including its specific components
• Understand and learn different tubes used in phlebotomy
particularly the ‘Order of Draw’
• Review basic information on Laboratory procedures and
instructions involving Phlebotomy.
3. VENIPUNCTURE
Also known as Phlebotomy, Extraction
or Blood Draw
EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEM
Tubes are filled with chemical substances (additives)
together with air vacuum and sealed.
They vary in shapes, sizes, and colors.
Different colors correspond to various additives and
specific functions in the laboratory.
PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
UNIVERSAL PRECAUTION
4. SERUM
PLASMA
Has Anticoagulant
Has clotting factors
Has Fibrinogen
Platelets and WBCs are present.
No anticoagulant
No clotting factors
No Fibrinogen
Could be hemolyzed, icteric,
or chylous
6. 1. Mainly used for Microbiology studies.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml
3. Anticoagulant is SPS (Sodium Polyanethole
Sulfonate)
4. Sterile and perform aseptic technique
5. Mix inversion 8- 10x
BLOOD CULTURE
BOTTLES
01
ORDER OF DRAW
7. 02
COAGULATION /
CITRATE TUBES
1. Mainly used for Coagulation and Hematology
studies.
2. Volume is 1-2 ml ONLY.
3. Anticoagulant is 3.2% Sodium Citrate
4. Mix inversion 3-4x
ORDER OF DRAW
8. 03 CLOT ACTIVATOR
TUBES
1. Mainly used for Blood banking, sometimes
Chemistry.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml
3. No additive/ plain.
4. Mix inversion 5-10x
ORDER OF DRAW
NOT USED FOR ELECTROLYTES and LIVER ENZYMES
9. 04
SERUM SEPARATOR
TUBES
1. Mainly used for Chemistry, Serology studies.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml
3. Used to set apart serum from red blood cells.
4. Thixotropic Gel separator combined with
silica and ACD (acid citrate dextrose).
5. Mix inversion 5-10x
ORDER OF DRAW
10. 05
HEPARIN TUBES 1. Mainly used for Chemistry studies.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml
3. Anticoagulant is Sodium Heparin or Lithium
Heparin
4. Mix inversion 8-10x
Used for Troponin, Ammonia, ABG
ORDER OF DRAW
11. 06
EDTA TUBES 1. Mainly used for Hematology, Blood Banking.
2. Varies from 3-5 ml
3. Anticoagulant is EDTA (Ethylene Diamine
Tetra acetic acid). Sometimes K2 or K3
4. Mix inversion 8-10x
Used for HBAIC and ESR
ORDER OF DRAW
12. 07
GLUCOSE STUDIES
TUBES
1. Mainly used for Chemistry studies.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml
3. Anticoagulant is Sodium Fluoride
4. Mix inversion 8-10x
Fasting blood
specimens
ORDER OF DRAW
13. Other Blood tubes
GOLD BLACK
Special
Chemistry
tests
ESR tube
1. Mainly used for Chemistry studies.
2. Volume is from 3-5 ml.
3. Anticoagulant is Potassium Oxalate
4. Mix inversion 8-10x
Erythrocyte
Sedimentation Rate
(Westergren method)
TB Quantiferon
17. EXERCISES
ORDER OF DRAW
1. Lab tests of Patient include HBAIC, ESR, Blood culture, Blood
typing, Serum Electrolytes, Serum Pregnancy test, and CBC.
What is the correct order of draw?
2. An elderly patient had a series of blood tests consisting of Troponin
I, Fasting Blood Sugar, HBAIC, Serum Creatinine, Coagulation tests,
and Serum Ferritin. What is the correct order of draw?
BLOOD CS SERUM PT /
ELECTROLYTES
CBC/ BT/
HBAIC
ESR
BLUE YELLOW
RED GREEN EDTA GRAY
18. • Basic Principles and Practice of Clinical Chemistry (Bishop)
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Guidelines for
Phlebotomy
• BD Vacutainer ‘Order of Draw’
REFERENCES
Multiple tube system for blood extraction.
Tubes have expiration dates. Check for breaks/cracks esp for Glass and if it is sealed properly with rubber stopper.
Centrifugation.
Fibrinogen – protein that helps in blood clotting.
Hemolysis – rupture of rbc
Icteric – severely dark yellow coloration associated with Jaundice
Chylous – from chylomicrons. White, milky or pinkish coloration due to ingestion of fat or recent food intake.
Importance of Mixing
Prevent clotting.
Pay attention to the volume of blood tubes. Do not over or under fill. Samples will be rejected or repeated.
Uncommon. Used to preserve glucose for 3 hours.
Tan- lead determination
Royal blue – toxicology
Orange- Thrombin
Plasma separator tubes
Capillary order of draw:
Edta, others, serum
Blood – additive ratio is important. Discard tubes are sometimes used.
Be Loving Respectful Gracious Lighthearted and Gentle
Different Order of Draw depending on the Laboratory Protocols and availability of Blood tubes and Lab tests.