The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of blood collection tubes that are utilized for centrifugation. This article will discuss tube additives, color coding, adapters, and provide advice on how to choose the appropriate tube. The following items should be highlighted on the list: adapters, different types of tubes, additives, and color coding.
Centrifuge Tubes that are most commonly used are known as vacutainer tubes
Vacutainer tubes manufactured by BD are the most popular type of Centrifuge Tubes, particularly in healthcare facilities in the United States
In a vacuum cleaner, the tubes are made of plastic tubing and have rubber stoppers that are color-coded
During the manufacturing process, the rubber stopper generates a vacuum seal, which enables a specific quantity of liquid to be extracted from the sample
Tube Additives Come in a Wide RangeOn the basis of the Test
Centrifuge tubes are filled with a variety of additives, which vary according to the type of test being performed
Among the most common additives are:EDTA is an anticoagulant that is used for complete blood count or electrocardiogram (ESR) tests (the purple tube)
The yellow tube contains silica and gel, which are used for tests such as liver function and lipid panels
In order to conduct tests on glucose and lactate, sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate are utilized (gray tube)
Color Coding Is Used to Identify the Contents of TubesIndicative of the additive that is present is the color of the cap of the tube
The European Union (EU) uses BS 4851, while the United States of America (US) uses ISO 6710
Make sure to check the expiration date and look for any flaws. Handling in the Correct Manner Is Also Very ImportantIn addition to selecting the appropriate tube, it is essential to employ the appropriate handling:After drawing into the tube, gently invert it five to ten times to mix the additives. Prior to centrifugation, you should avoid shaking or agitating the tubes. When loading tubes into the centrifuge, make sure to load them in a symmetrical manner. Do not overfill the tubes. Keep track of the expiration dates and get rid of out-of-date stock. Final ThoughtsChoosing and handling vacutainer tubes in the appropriate manner guarantees that samples will be processed accurately. Make sure that the additives and color coding on the tube correspond to the test that is required, select an adapter that closely fits the tube, and handle the tubes with care. It is possible for laboratories to produce accurate results if they use the appropriate centrifuge tube and technique.
