Blood Collection Tubes

Blood Collection Tubes Types, Uses and many more

Blood collection tubes are specialized tubes that are used to collect and store blood samples for laboratory testing. These tubes come in different sizes and colors, each with its specific additive for a particular test. Here are some commonly used types of blood collection tubes:

In blood, the serum is the fluid and solute component of blood after clotting. It is neither a blood cell (serum does not contain white blood cells– leukocytes, or red blood cells– erythrocytes), nor a clotting factor; it is the blood plasma not including the fibrinogens. Serum includes all proteins not used in blood clotting and all the electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones, and any exogenous substances (e.g., drugs and microorganisms).

No Additive Tube (Red Cap Plain Tubes)

• Additive: No Additive
• Suction Volume: 3ml -10ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75 mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood collection and storage for biochemical test, immunological test, PCR test, blood bank test etc
• This tube is a plastic and glass Vacutainer containing a clot activator but no anticoagulants, preservatives, or separator material.  It is used for collection of serum for selected laboratory tests as indicated.  If the specimen requirement for a test is red-top tube(s), do not use  gold-top/SST® tube(s), as the gel separator may interfere with analysis. 

Uses of No Additive Tube (Red Cap Plain Tubes):

No Additive Tube, also known as plain tubes, are commonly referred to as red cap tubes because they have a plain red-colored cap. These tubes do not contain any additives or anticoagulants and are primarily used for serum separation, coagulation tests, and blood banking. Here are some of the specific uses of No Additive Tubes:

• Serum separation: These tubes are commonly used to collect blood samples for serum separation. Once the blood is drawn, it is allowed to clot, and then the serum is separated by centrifugation. The serum can then be used for various diagnostic tests, including liver function tests, lipid profiles, and hormone testing.
• Coagulation testing: These tubes are also used for coagulation testing, including prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) tests. The absence of anticoagulants in these tubes ensures that the sample is allowed to clot, which is necessary for accurate coagulation test results.
• Blood banking: No Additive Tubes are used in blood banks for collecting whole blood or red blood cells for transfusion. The absence of additives ensures that the blood collected is not contaminated and can be safely used for transfusions.

It is essential to follow proper blood collection procedures and use the appropriate tube to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Healthcare professionals are trained to collect blood samples and follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.

EDTA (Lavender-top tube) K2/K3 Tube

• Additive: EDTA. K2/ EDTA. K3
• Suction Volume: 2ml -10ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: clinical haematology, cross matching, blood grouping as well as various kinds of blood cell test instruments
• This tube contains EDTA as an anticoagulant. These tubes are preferred for blood bank tests.
• NOTE:  After the tube has been filled with blood, immediately invert the tube 8-10 times to mix and ensure adequate anticoagulation of the specimen.

uses of EDTA (Lavender-top tube) K2/K3 Tube :

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) is an anticoagulant commonly used in Lavender-top tubes, also known as purple top tubes. EDTA acts by binding to calcium ions, which are required for the coagulation cascade, thereby preventing blood from clotting. Here are some of the specific uses of EDTA Lavender-top tubes:

• Hematology tests: These tubes are primarily used for collecting whole blood for hematology tests, including complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, and sickle cell screening. EDTA preserves the blood cells’ morphology and prevents clumping, making it ideal for hematological studies.
• Molecular diagnostics: EDTA Lavender-top tubes are also used in molecular diagnostic tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which require high-quality DNA or RNA samples. EDTA prevents DNA and RNA degradation and protects nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation.
• Blood lead testing: EDTA is also used for collecting blood samples for lead testing, which is necessary for screening and monitoring lead exposure in individuals.

EDTA Lavender-top tubes are available in K2 or K3 formulations, which contain different concentrations of EDTA. The K2 formulation contains 3.0 mg EDTA per mL of blood, while the K3 formulation contains 7.2 mg EDTA per mL of blood. It is essential to use the appropriate tube and collect the blood correctly to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Healthcare professionals are trained to collect blood samples and follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety.

Sodium Citrate Tube (Blue Top)

• Additive: 3.2% Sodium Citrate (1:9)
• Suction Volume: 2ml -5ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood coagulation test and applicable to the fibrinolytic systems like PT, TT, APTT and fibrinogen, etc. 

Uses of Sodium Citrate Tube (Blue Top):

Sodium citrate tubes, also known as blue top tubes, contain an anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate. The anticoagulant prevents blood from clotting by binding calcium ions required for the coagulation cascade. Here are some of the specific uses of sodium citrate tubes:

• Coagulation testing: These tubes are primarily used for coagulation testing, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen testing. Sodium citrate preserves the coagulation factors, and the absence of platelets in the sample ensures that coagulation testing is not affected by platelet activation.
• Platelet function testing: Sodium citrate tubes can also be used for platelet function testing, including platelet aggregation studies and platelet activation assays.
• Thrombophilia testing: Sodium citrate tubes are used for thrombophilia testing, including antithrombin III, protein C, and protein S assays.

It is essential to use the appropriate tube and collect the blood correctly to ensure the accuracy of the test results. Healthcare professionals are trained to collect blood samples and follow strict protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety. After collection, the sample should be mixed gently to ensure that the anticoagulant is adequately distributed. The recommended ratio of blood to anticoagulant is 9:1 (blood to anticoagulant) for sodium citrate tubes.

ESR Tube

• Additive: 3.8% Sodium Citrate
• Suction Volume: 1.28/1.6/2.4/5ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm,8*120mm
• Applications: blood collection and anticoagulation for Automated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Analyzers sedimentation rate test 

Uses of ESR Tube:

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) tubes are specialized tubes that contain a mixture of sodium citrate and a buffering agent, typically trisodium citrate or sodium citrate-dextrose solution. The tube’s design allows the blood to settle and form a sedimentation rate, which can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. Here are some of the specific uses of ESR tubes:

• Inflammatory markers: ESR tubes are primarily used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body. High sedimentation rates can indicate the presence of underlying conditions, such as infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
• Diagnostic testing: ESR tubes are also used in the diagnosis of various medical conditions, including infectious diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other autoimmune diseases.
• Monitoring disease progression: ESR tubes can be used to monitor the progression of certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and to assess the effectiveness of treatment.

Heparin Tube

• Additive: Lithium Heparin or Sodium Heparin
• Suction Volume: 3ml – 10ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood collection for the test of clinical plasma, emergency biochemistry and bloodrheology, etc. 

Uses of Heparin Tube (Green Top):

Heparin tubes, also known as green top tubes, contain lithium or sodium heparin, which acts as an anticoagulant. Here are some of the specific uses of heparin tubes:

• Blood gas analysis: Heparin tubes are primarily used for collecting arterial blood samples for blood gas analysis. The anticoagulant prevents clotting and ensures accurate test results.
• Chemistry testing: Heparin tubes are also used for a variety of chemistry tests, including electrolytes, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) testing.
• Therapeutic drug monitoring: Heparin tubes can be used for therapeutic drug monitoring, such as measuring heparin levels in patients receiving heparin therapy.
• Hematology testing: Heparin tubes can also be used for certain hematology tests, such as reticulocyte counting and plasma protein testing.

Clot Activator Tube (Serum Tube)

• Additive: Clot Activator
• Suction Volume: 3ml – 10ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood collection and storage for biochemistry, immunology, serology, etc.
• This tube is a plastic and glass Vacutainer containing a clot activator but no anticoagulants, preservatives, or separator material.  It is used for collection of serum for selected laboratory tests as indicated.  If the specimen requirement for a test is red-top tube(s), do not use  gold-top/SST® tube(s), as the gel separator may interfere with analysis. 

Uses of Clot Activator Tube (Serum or Red Top Tube):

Clot Activator tubes, also known as serum tubes or red top tubes, do not contain an anticoagulant but instead contain a clot activator such as silica particles or glass beads. Here are some of the specific uses of Clot Activator tubes:

• Serum testing: Clot Activator tubes are primarily used for serum testing, which involves allowing the blood to clot and then separating the serum from the clot. Serum can be used for various diagnostic tests, including hormone assays, viral serology, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
• Chemistry testing: Clot Activator tubes can also be used for a variety of chemistry tests, including liver function tests, lipid panel testing, and renal function testing.
• Toxicology testing: Clot Activator tubes can be used for toxicology testing, including drug screening and alcohol testing.
• Allergy testing: Clot Activator tubes can also be used for allergy testing, such as measuring immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Glucose Tube

• Additive: Sodium Fluoride/Heparin Sodium/ EDTA
• Suction Volume: 2ml – 5ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood collection for the test like blood sugar, sugar tolerance, erythrocyte electrophoresis, etc.

Uses of Glucose Tube (Gray Top Tube):

Glucose tubes, also known as gray top tubes, contain an anticoagulant (usually potassium oxalate or sodium fluoride) and a preservative (usually sodium fluoride) to stabilize blood glucose levels. Here are some of the specific uses of glucose tubes:

• Glucose testing: Glucose tubes are primarily used for measuring blood glucose levels, which is important for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and hypoglycemia.
• Lactate testing: Glucose tubes can also be used for measuring lactate levels, which is important for diagnosing and monitoring lactate acidosis.
• Blood alcohol testing: Glucose tubes can be used for blood alcohol testing, as the sodium fluoride in the tube prevents the breakdown of ethanol.

Serum Separate Tube (SST Tube)

• Additive: Gel & Clot Activator
• Suction Volume: 2ml – 10ml
• Material: Glass/PET
• Tube Size:13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood serum biochemistry, immunology and drug testing, etc. 
• This tube contains a clot activator and serum gel separator – used for various chemistry, serology, and immunology tests. If the specimen requirement for a test is red-top tube(s), do not use gold-top/SST tube(s).
  NOTE: Invert the tube to activate the clotting; let stand for 20-30 minutes before centrifuging for 10 minutes. If frozen serum is required, pour off serum into plastic vial and freeze.  Do not freeze Vacutainer® tubes.

Uses of Serum Separate Tube (SST or Gold Top Tube):

Serum Separating Tubes (SST), also known as tiger top or gold top tubes, contain a clot activator and a gel separator that separates the serum from the blood cells after centrifugation. Here are some of the specific uses of SST tubes:

• Serum testing: SST tubes are primarily used for serum testing, which involves allowing the blood to clot and then separating the serum from the clot. Serum can be used for various diagnostic tests, including hormone assays, viral serology, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
• Chemistry testing: SST tubes can also be used for a variety of chemistry tests, including liver function tests, lipid panel testing, and renal function testing.
• Immunology testing: SST tubes can be used for immunology testing, such as measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels.
• Therapeutic drug monitoring: SST tubes can be used for therapeutic drug monitoring, such as measuring antiepileptic drug levels in patients receiving antiepileptic therapy.

Microtainer

• Additive: Lithium/Heparin/EDTA K2 
• Suction Volume: 0.25ml/0.5ml/1ml
• Material: PET
• Applications: blood serum biochemistry, immunology and drug testing, etc. 

PP Non Vacuum Blood Collection Tube

• Additive: Negotiate
• Suction Volume: 2ml – 10ml
• Material: PP
• Tube Size: 13*75mm; 13*100mm; 16*100mm
• Applications: blood collection for the test such as blood sugar, sugar tolerance, erythrocyte electrophoresis,anti-alkali hemoglobin and lactate. 

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