Types of Tubes Used in a Medical Lab: Understanding Their Importance and Uses

Summary

  • There are several types of tubes used in a medical lab for various purposes.
  • These tubes are color-coded to indicate the type of additive or the tests to be conducted.
  • Understanding the different types of tubes is essential for proper sample collection and accurate Test Results.

Introduction

Medical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing valuable diagnostic information to Healthcare Providers. One of the essential tools in a medical lab is the collection tube, which is used to collect blood, urine, or other bodily fluids for testing. There are several types of tubes used in a medical lab, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the different types of tubes and their uses is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate Test Results.

Types of Tubes Used in a Medical Lab

1. Serum Separator Tubes (SST)

Serum Separator Tubes are commonly used in medical labs for various blood tests. These tubes have a gel separator at the bottom, which, when centrifuged, separates the serum from the blood cells. The serum can then be used for various tests such as cholesterol, glucose, liver function tests, and more. SST tubes are typically gold or red-topped and are used for tests that require serum samples.

2. Plasma Separator Tubes (PST)

Plasma Separator Tubes are similar to Serum Separator Tubes but are used to collect plasma instead of serum. These tubes contain an Anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting, allowing for the collection of plasma. Plasma is often used for tests that require whole blood or plasma samples, such as electrolyte tests, hormone levels, and drug monitoring. PST tubes are typically lavender or green-topped and are used for tests that require plasma samples.

3. Anticoagulant Tubes

Anticoagulant Tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require whole blood without clotting. These tubes contain additives such as EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), citrate, or Heparin, which prevent blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions. Anticoagulant tubes are commonly used for tests such as complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, coagulation studies, and others. The color of the tube cap indicates the type of additive present, with EDTA tubes being lavender, citrate tubes being light blue, and Heparin tubes being green or light green.

4. Glycolytic Inhibitor Tubes

Glycolytic Inhibitor Tubes contain additives that inhibit glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose in blood cells. These tubes are used to collect blood samples for tests that require accurate glucose levels, as glycolysis can lead to falsely decreased glucose levels. Glycolytic Inhibitor Tubes are typically gray-topped and are used for tests such as glucose tolerance tests, Fasting blood sugar, and others.

5. Coagulation Tubes

Coagulation Tubes are specialized tubes used to collect blood samples for coagulation studies, including tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), and fibrinogen levels. These tubes contain additives such as citrate that prevent blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions. Coagulation tubes are typically light blue-topped and are used specifically for coagulation tests.

6. Urine Collection Tubes

Urine Collection Tubes are used to collect urine samples for various tests, such as urinalysis, urine culture, and drug screening. These tubes are sterile and may contain preservatives or additives to maintain the integrity of the urine sample. Urine Collection Tubes come in different sizes and may have different colored caps depending on the type of tests to be conducted.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of tubes used in a medical lab is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate Test Results. Each type of tube serves a specific purpose and is designed to collect and preserve different types of samples for testing. By familiarizing themselves with the various types of tubes and their uses, Healthcare Providers can improve the quality of patient care and diagnostic outcomes.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on phlebotomy practices and healthcare. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.

Previous
Previous

The Role of Sodium Borate in Phlebotomy Tubes: pH Balance, Anticoagulant Properties, and Analyte Preservation

Next
Next

Choosing the Right Blood Collection Needle Length in Urgent Care Clinics