Phlebotomy Tubes

Additive in sterile tubes

(SPS) Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate

Tests that require sterile tubes

Blood cultures [Anticoagulate]

Additive in light blue tubes

Sodium Citrate [Anticoagulate]

Additive in red tubes

No additives

Additive in tiger-striped / gold tubes

Serum Separator (gel) [Coagulant]

Additive in green tubes

Heparin [Anticoagulant]

Additive in lavender tubes

EDTA (sprayed in) [Anticoagulant]

Additive in gray tubes

Potassium Oxalate [Anticoagulant]

Sodium Fluoride [prevents glucose deterioration]

Applications of light blue tubes

Coagulation studies

PT (Prothrombin)

INR (Ratio of blood composition)

PTT (Partial thromboplastin)

Applications of red tubes

Drug Test

HIV antibodies

Viral Studies

Serology (Serum) Studies

Discard Tube

Applications of tiger-striped / gold tubes

Serology (Serum) Studies

Applications of green tubes

BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel)

CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel)

Cardiac Markers (CPK, Troponin)

Lipid Panel

Applications of lavender tubes

CBC (Complete blood count)

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

HgbA1c (Glycohgb)

Applications of gray tubes

GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test)

Glucose (fasting)

Alcohol levels

Lactic acid

What is required when you have an order that only uses light blue tubes / has a light blue tube go first in the order of draw?

Use the red tube to draw 5mL and discard to ensure the blue tube fills.

What does sodium citrate do?

Binds to Ca2+ to stop the clotting process.

What is the red tube also called?

Discard Tube

What is the green tube also called?

PST (Plasma Separator Tube)

What is the purpose of the order of draw?

To avoid cross contamination via the additives in the tubes.

What is EDTA high in?

Potassium (K+)

What are the types of additives that are in tubes?

Coagulants, Anticoagulants, Chemicals. (Red tubes have no additives)

What is the difference between the blue sterile tube and the red sterile tube?

The blue sterile tube is aerobic. (Use first when drawing)

The red sterile tube is anaerobic. (Use second when drawing)

Why is the tiger-striped / gold tube used over the red tube in some instances?

Because the coagulating gel makes the blood clot faster.

What is the difference between serum and plasma?

Serum is the fluid that remains after blood clots.

What other information is needed about sterile tubes?

It is always drawn first.

Wipe with alcohol first then CHG or Iodine. (unless pt has allergy)

Invert 3-4 times. (Swish if .in a yellow tube)

What other information is needed about light blue tubes?

Tube must be full (2.7 mL) to prevent dilution & maintain ratio of additive to blood.

What other information is needed about red tubes?

Invert 5 times.

Can take around an hour to clot.

What other information is needed about tiger-striped / gold tubes?

Let tube sit upright for 30-45 min BEFORE putting in centrifuge.

Invert 5 times.

What other information is needed about green tubes?

Invert 8 times.

Do NOT use Iodine (contains K+).

What other information is needed about lavender tubes?

Invert 8 times.

What other information is needed about gray tubes?

May need to be put on ice.

Invert 8-10 times.

In what case is the capillary used for blood collection?

If pt has fragile or superficial veins.

Infants.

If pt has IV therapy in both arms.

What is drawn first in capillary blood collection?

EDTA (clots blood faster)

What is drawn last in capillary blood collection?

SST (Gold / Tiger-stripped)

Does the order of additional tubes in capillary blood collection matter?

No.

What is the order of draw?

Sterile, Light blue, Red, Tiger-striped, Greed, Lavender, Gray