Blood collection tubes, also known as vacutainer tubes, are sterile containers used to collect and transport blood specimens for medical testing, featuring specific additives to preserve sample quality. They come in various types, each suited for different tests, and are crucial for accurate diagnostic results. Best practices for their use include proper handling, storage, and following the correct order of draw to minimize contamination.

1. The Ultimate Guide to
Blood Collection Tubes

2. What is Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes, also know as vacutainer tubes or phlebotomy
tubes, are sterile tubes use to collect and transport blood specimens
for medical testing or analysis. They are design to draw and store a
specific volume of blood, usually ranging from 2-10 milliliters,
depending on the type of tube used and the intended application.
KDL Blood collection tubes are made of plastic or glass and contain
various additives, such as anticoagulants or preservatives, to maintain
the quality of the blood sample for testing. They come in different
sizes, colors, and types, each with a unique combination of additives to
suit specific testing requirements.

3. What is Vacuum Blood Collection Tube
Vacuum blood collection tube, also known as Vacutainer tubes, are plastic
or glass tubes used for the collection and transportation of blood samples
for clinical testing. These tubes have a cap with a rubber stopper that
create a vacuum when the needle pierces the stopper, allowing blood to
be draw into the tube without the need for a syringe.
The vacuum in the tube contributes to the fact that a certain amount of
blood is collecte and the blood is evenly distribute in the tube. The tubes
come in different sizes and colors, each designed for specific types of
blood tests.
Vacutainer tubes have revolutionized blood collection, making it easier,
faster, and less painful for patients. They are widely use in hospitals,
clinics, and laboratories around the world.

4. Importance of Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes play a crucial role in the collection and analysis of
blood samples for medical purposes. There are essential tools use by
healthcare professionals, such as phlebotomists, to collect blood specimens
from patients for diagnostic tests, blood donations, and research studies.
Blood collection tubes help to ensure the accuracy and reliability of blood
test results by providing a standardized and controlled environment for the
blood sample. Each type of tube is design with specific additives, such as
anticoagulants or preservatives, to preserve the integrity of the sample and
prevent clotting or degradation.
The correct use of blood collection tubes is critical for accurate and reliable
diagnostic test results. Different types of tubes are use for different types of
tests, and following the appropriate protocol for collecting blood samples is
essential to avoid errors or contamination.

5. Different
types of
Blood
Collection
Tubes
• Serum Separator Tube (SST)
• Heparin Tube
• Sodium Citrate Tube
• Fluoride Tube
• Blood Culture Bottle

6. Different types of Blood Collection Tubes
• Serum Separator Tube (SST)
• Heparin Tube
• Sodium Citrate Tube
• Fluoride Tube
• Blood Culture Bottle

7. Serum Separator Tube (SST)
This tube contains a gel separator that helps separate the serum from the
blood cells after centrifugation. It is use for a wide range of tests,
including blood chemistry, hormone assays, and serology.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) Tube: This tube contains EDTA,
which binds to calcium and prevents blood from clotting. It is use for
haematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC), blood typing,
and DNA analysis.
This tube contains heparin, which also prevents blood from clotting. It is
use for tests that require plasma, such as coagulation studies, thrombin
time, and fibrinogen assays.
Heparin Tube

8. Sodium Citrate Tube
This tube contains sodium citrate, which also acts as an anticoagulant. It
is use for coagulation studies, including prothrombin time (PT), activated
partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and D-dimer.
This tube is use for collecting blood specimens for microbiological
culture, which helps identify bacterial or fungal infections in the blood.
The choice of blood collection tube depend on the type of test to be
performe and the specific requirements of the laboratory. It is essential
to follow proper blood collection techniques to ensure accurate and
reliable test results.
Blood Culture Bottle

9. Fluoride Tube
This tube contains a mixture of fluoride and an anticoagulant (usually
EDTA). It is use for glucose testing, as the fluoride prevents glycolysis (the
breakdown of glucose in the blood sample).

10. Best Practices for Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes are an essential tool for drawing blood samples for
various medical purposes, including diagnostic tests, blood donations,
and research studies. Here are some best practices for using blood
collection tubes:
• Handling and Storage
• Order of Draw
• Needle Size and Angle
• Avoiding Hemolysis

11. Blood collection tube should be stored at the appropriate temperature,
as specified by the manufacturer, to maintain the integrity of the sample.
Tubes should be handled with care to prevent damage or contamination.
The order of draw should be followed to minimize the risk of cross-
contamination between tubes. The order of draw is the sequence in
which tubes are filled during a blood draw. This helps prevent the transfer
of additives or contaminants between tubes.
Handling and Storage
Order of Draw

12. Needle Size and Angle
The needle size and angle used for blood collection needle should be
appropriate for the patient’s age and size. A needle that is too large or
inserted at the wrong angle can cause pain and bruising.
Avoiding Hemolysis
Hemolysis, the breakdown of red blood cells, can occur if the blood
collection process is not done correctly. This can result in inaccurate test
results. To avoid hemolysis, the phlebotomist should use the
appropriate size needle, avoid excessive suction, and invert the tube
gently after collection.

13. Uses of Blood Collection Tubes
Blood collection tubes are use for a variety of medical purposes,
including:
 Diagnostic Testing
 Blood Donation
 Research Studies
 Drug Monitoring

14. Blood collection tube are use to collect blood samples for diagnostic
testing to evaluate a patient’s health status or detect the presence of
diseases or infections. The tests can include complete blood count (CBC),
blood chemistry panel, blood glucose, blood lipid profile, and various
other tests.
Blood collection tubes are use to collect blood from blood donors for
transfusion to patients who need blood. The collected blood is tested for
various bloodborne diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis,
to ensure the safety of the donate blood.
Diagnostic Testing
Blood Donation

15. Drug Monitoring
Blood collection tube are use to collect blood samples for drug
monitoring to measure the concentration of drugs or medications in a
patient’s bloodstream. The results of drug monitoring can help to ensure
that patients receive the appropriate dosage of medication for their
condition.
Research Studies
Blood collection tube are use to collect blood samples for research
studies to investigate various diseases and conditions. The collected
blood samples can be use for genetic studies, biomarker analysis, and
other types of research.

16. Conclusion
Blood collection tubes are important instruments use in the
medical field to collect and transport blood samples for various
purposes. They have special additives to preserve the integrity of
the blood sample and prevent clumping or deterioration of test
results. Healthcare professionals must follow the appropriate
protocol for collecting blood samples to achieve the best
outcomes. KDL is a leading blood collection tubes Manufacturer &
Supplier company that produces different types of blood
Collection tube. We are one of the leading pen needle or syringe
manufacturers suppliers in the industry.