Blood Collection Tubes

Blood Collection Tubes are sterile containers used for the collection and storage of blood samples, serving a wide array of laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Each tube is meticulously designed to preserve the integrity of the blood sample while facilitating its processing and analysis.

These tubes, also known as vacutainer tubes or blood collection containers, are essential for various tests, including biochemistry, immunology, and serology, as well as for diagnosing infectious diseases. They are also commonly employed for determining specific parameters such as coagulation factors or glucose levels.

Blood collection vacutainer tubes are available as plain tubes without any additives or with different additives tailored for specific uses. The color of the cap serves as a universal indicator for the additive contained within the tube. These collection tubes are manufactured from either PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or glass and come in an assortment of sizes, including mini (11x40mm), 13x75mm, 13x100mm, and 16x100mm, to accommodate diverse sample volume requirements.

Product Specifications

Type and Additive

Blood Collection Tubes: Plain – No Additive (Red)

The Plain – No Additive (Red) blood collection tube is distinguished by its lack of any additives or anticoagulants. This design allows the blood sample to naturally coagulate, making it ideal for various laboratory tests that specifically require serum or clot formation. The absence of any chemical interference ensures the sample’s integrity, thereby enabling precise diagnostic testing and analysis.

Blood Collection Tubes: Serum – Clot Activator (Red)

The Serum – Clot Activator (Red) blood collection tube is a specific type that contains a clot activator additive. This additive actively initiates the coagulation cascade, thereby promoting the rapid clotting of the blood sample. As a result, during centrifugation, the serum effectively separates from the cloced blood. The distinctive red-colored cap serves as an immediate indicator of the presence of this clot-activating additive.

These serum – clot activator blood collection tubes are commonly used for a variety of tests that specifically require serum samples, including certain types of chemistry panels, hormone assays, and serology tests.

Blood Collection Tubes: SSGT – Gel & Clot Activator (Yellow)

The SSGT – Gel & Clot Activator (Yellow) blood collection tube is a specialized type that contains both a gel separator and a clot activator additive. During centrifugation, the gel forms a distinct and stable barrier between the serum and any cellular components, facilitating the easy and efficient separation of the serum. The yellow-colored cap clearly indicates the presence of this dual additive system.

These gel & clot activator blood collection tubes are ideal for preparing serum samples for a wide array of tests, including chemistry panels, lipid profiles, liver function tests, and many other diagnostic procedures requiring high-quality serum.

Blood Collection Tubes: Glucose – EDTA / Sodium Fluoride (Grey)

The Glucose – EDTA / Sodium Fluoride (Grey) blood collection tube is specifically designed for the collection and preservation of blood samples intended for glucose testing. These tubes contain a precise combination of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and sodium fluoride, which function synergistically as both anticoagulants and glycolysis inhibitors. This powerful combination is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable glucose measurements by preventing blood clotting and inhibiting the breakdown of glucose by blood cells after collection.

Glucose – EDTA/sodium fluoride tubes are widely used in clinical settings, particularly for glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes or those with suspected glucose metabolism disorders, providing essential data for diagnosis and management.

Blood Collection Tubes: EDTA – K2EDTA / K3EDTA (Lavender)

The EDTA – K2EDTA / K3EDTA (Lavender) blood collection tube is specifically designed for the collection of whole blood samples for various laboratory tests. These tubes contain EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) as an anticoagulant. The EDTA functions by chelating calcium ions, which are essential for the coagulation process, thereby effectively preserving the blood sample in its liquid state.

EDTA – K2EDTA / K3EDTA blood collection tubes are commonly used in hematology and blood banking for critical tests such as the complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, and cross-matching, where the cellular components of the blood need to remain intact and uncoagulated.

Blood Collection Tubes: Heparin – Lithium Heparin / Sodium Heparin (Green)

The Heparin – Lithium Heparin / Sodium Heparin (Green) blood collection tube is a type of tube that contains heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin functions by preventing coagulation and maintaining the blood sample in a liquid (plasma) state. The addition of either lithium or sodium to the heparin further enhances its anticoagulant effect, ensuring the sample remains uncoagulated for accurate testing.

Heparin tubes are commonly used for a variety of tests that specifically require plasma samples, such as blood chemistry analysis and certain coagulation studies, where the goal is to analyze the liquid portion of the blood without the formation of a clot.

Blood Collection Tubes: PT – 3.2% Sodium Citrate (Blue)

The PT – 3.2% Sodium Citrate (Blue) blood collection tube is specifically designed for coagulation tests, particularly the prothrombin time (PT) test. Each tube contains a buffered solution of 3.2% sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. This anticoagulant functions by binding to calcium ions, which are essential for the coagulation process. This action effectively prevents the blood from clotting, allowing for the collection of plasma, which is the required specimen for accurate coagulation testing.

Blood Collection Tubes: ESR – 3.8% Sodium Citrate (Black)

The ESR – 3.8% Sodium Citrate (Black) blood collection tube is a specialized type that has been specifically designed for the accurate measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Each tube contains a buffered solution of 3.8% sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. This anticoagulant functions by binding to calcium ions, which are crucial for blood clotting, thereby allowing the red blood cells to settle freely. ESR tests are frequently used in clinical settings to assess the presence or severity of inflammatory conditions within the body.

Uses

What are Blood Collection Tubes used for?

Blood Collection Tubes are primarily employed for the collection, storage, and transportation of blood samples. These tubes are used in various diagnostic procedures, aiding the analysis of blood parameters crucial for assessing a patient’s health status, diagnosing diseases, and monitoring treatment efficacy. In clinical settings, healthcare professionals rely on Blood Collection Tubes to obtain blood specimens safely and efficiently from patients. Whether for routine blood tests, specialized diagnostic assays, or research studies, these tubes provide a sterile and standardized method for sample collection. Blood Collection Tubes are essential for preserving the stability of blood components, such as serum or plasma, guaranteeing accurate test results.

How are Blood Collection Tubes used?

Healthcare providers must select the appropriate type of tube based on the specific diagnostic requirements and patient characteristics. Once selected, the procedure involves:

Patient Preparation: Before blood collection, the patient’s identification is verified to ensure sample traceability. Proper patient positioning and preparation of the venipuncture site are central for a successful blood draw.

Venipuncture: Using sterile techniques, a healthcare professional performs venipuncture to access the patient’s vein, usually in the arm. The selected Blood Collection Tube is then attached to the venipuncture device, such as a needle or cannula, allowing blood to flow directly into the tube via vacuum pressure.

Blood Collection: The vacuum inside the tube assists the collection of the required volume of blood without the need for additional aspiration. Once the desired amount is obtained, the tube is gently inverted several times to ensure thorough mixing with any additives present.

Labeling and Transport: Each Blood Collection Tube is labeled with patient information, collection date, and other pertinent details. Proper labeling encourages sample traceability and minimizes the risk of errors during subsequent processing. The tubes are then securely capped and transported to the laboratory for analysis, following established protocols for specimen handling and transport.

Storage: Upon reaching the laboratory, the Blood Collection Tubes are stored under appropriate conditions, maintaining the stability of the collected blood specimens until analysis. Temperature control and adherence to storage guidelines are paramount in preventing sample degradation and obtaining accurate test results.