When using the evacuated tube system for blood collection, there is a recommended order for drawing blood that should be followed to ensure accurate test results and minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The order of drawing blood with the evacuated tube system is known as the Order of Draw.
The recommended Order of Draw is:
1. Blood culture bottles: The blood culture bottle should always be the first tube drawn as it is used for detecting bacterial infections in the bloodstream. It is important to minimize the risk of contamination by using a sterile technique for collection.
2. Sodium citrate (blue top) tubes: These tubes are used for coagulation studies and are filled to a certain level to ensure the correct blood-to-additive ratio. They should be the second tube drawn to minimize the risk of contamination.
3. Serum tubes (red top): These tubes are used for serum tests and are allowed to clot before being centrifuged. They should be the third tube drawn because any remaining anticoagulant or clotting factors in the previous tubes may affect the serum results.
4. Plasma tubes with anticoagulants (green top): These tubes are used for plasma tests and should be drawn before the tubes with EDTA. It is important to invert these tubes several times to mix the anticoagulant well.
5. Plasma tubes with EDTA (lavender top): These tubes are used for hematology and blood bank tests. They should be the last tube drawn as EDTA can interfere with coagulation cascade tests.
6. Tubes with other additives (grey top): These tubes are used for specific tests such as glucose, lactate, and blood alcohol levels. They should be the last tube drawn so that their additives do not interfere with other test results.
It is important to follow this recommended Order of Draw when using the evacuated tube system to avoid any issues with test results. Following the Order of Draw can ensure that the appropriate sample is collected in the appropriate tube, and that the sample is not contaminated or affected by additives used in other tubes.
What is the correct order for drawing blood tubes?
The process of drawing blood is an essential aspect of healthcare and medical practice. It involves the collection of blood samples from patients for various diagnostic and treatment purposes. Drawing blood tubes in the correct order is crucial for accurate and reliable test results.
The correct order for drawing blood tubes starts with a sterile tube for blood cultures, followed by a light blue tube for coagulation studies, red or gold tubes for serum chemistry, green tubes for plasma determinations, lavender or purple tubes for hematology, gray tubes for glucose measurements, and finally, yellow tubes for Cytology.
The rationale behind this order is to avoid cross-contamination and to maintain the integrity of each sample. The sterile tube is used for blood cultures to prevent contamination with bacteria and other microorganisms that may alter the test results. The light blue tube is used for coagulation studies because it contains sodium citrate, which acts as an anticoagulant to preserve coagulation factors’ activity.
Red or gold tubes are used for serum chemistry tests to measure various chemical components in the blood, such as electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones. The green tube contains heparin, an anticoagulant that preserves plasma, allowing for accurate measurements of plasma determinants such as ammonia or lactate.
The lavender or purple-colored tube contains EDTA, which prevents coagulation by binding calcium ions, enabling studies of hematology, including complete blood counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), and blood group and typing.
Gray tubes contain potassium oxalate, which preserves glucose and lactate measurements for diagnostic use. Lastly, yellow tubes are preferred when collecting specimens for Cytology.
The correct order for drawing blood tubes is crucial towards ensuring accurate test results and preventing cross-contamination. Healthcare professionals should be diligent in following the guidelines and standards set by respective governing bodies to maintain the highest quality of healthcare services.
What is the correct order of blood draw for the most used tubes within a medical clinic setting quizlet?
The correct order of blood draw for the most used tubes within a medical clinic setting according to Quizlet is as follows:
1. Blood culture tubes
2. Coagulation tubes
3. Serum tubes
4. Heparin tubes
5. EDTA tubes
6. Glycolysis inhibitor tubes
7. Citrate tubes
The first tube to be drawn for blood collection is the blood culture tube as it needs to be sterile and free of any contamination. The coagulation tube is next as it requires free-flowing blood, hence drawing it prior to other tubes is necessary. Following the coagulation tube, serum tubes are drawn as they are used to test for various conditions such as liver or kidney function, electrolyte levels, and hormonal levels.
The heparin tube is then drawn as it contains an anticoagulant to prevent clotting and is used to test for blood gas levels, electrolytes, and glucose levels. EDTA tubes come next, as they are used for hematological tests like complete blood counts, and subsequently, glycolysis inhibitor tubes are drawn, which help preserve glucose levels for proper testing.
Lastly, citrate tubes are drawn as they contain an anticoagulant and are used to test for coagulation factors. It is essential to follow this specific order of blood draws as each tube has unique requirements for handling and storage, and the incorrect order may result in compromised test results, patient discomfort, or injury.
How do you remember the order of a phlebotomy draw?
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a patient’s vein. The order of draw refers to the sequence of collection tubes that are used during the phlebotomy procedure. The order of draw is essential to maintain the integrity of the blood sample and prevent contamination.
To remember the order of draw, healthcare professionals usually rely on a mnemonic device – a memory technique that helps them remember information more efficiently. There are several mnemonics used to remember the order of draw, but the most common one is:
“Stop Light Order”
– S = Sterile tubes (blood cultures)
– L = Light blue tubes (coagulation studies)
– O = Other tubes (serum tubes, plasma tubes, and other additive tubes)
– Y = Yellow tubes (blood cultures)
– G = Green tubes (chemistry tests except for electrolytes)
– L = Lavender tubes (complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and other hematology tests)
– G = Grey tubes (glucose levels and blood alcohol levels)
Another way to remember the order of draw is to use the acronym “BART,” which stands for:
– B = Blood cultures
– A = Sodium citrate tubes (coagulation studies)
– R = Red or gold top tubes (serum tubes)
– T = Green, light blue, lavender, or grey tubes (chemistry and hematology tests)
Healthcare professionals can also remember the order of draw by understanding the rationale behind it. For example, blood cultures should be drawn first to avoid contamination from other tubes. Light blue tubes should be drawn before lavender tubes to prevent cross-contamination of sodium citrate into the lavender tube, which would affect coagulation studies.
Healthcare professionals remember the order of draw through mnemonic devices, acronyms, and understanding the rationale behind the sequence of collection tubes. It is important to note that the order of draw may vary depending on the laboratory’s protocol and the healthcare facility’s policies. Thus, following proper phlebotomy procedures is crucial for accurate laboratory results and patient safety.
What blood tube colors are for which test?
Blood tubes come in different colors depending on the type of test that needs to be done on the blood sample. Different blood tests require different tubes, and each tube is designed to keep the blood stable for a specific duration of time. The following are some commonly used blood tube colors and the tests they are used for:
1. Red: This tube contains no additives and is used for collecting blood samples that need to clot, such as in clotting factor assays, serum tests, and blood bank testing.
2. Lavender/Purple: This tube contains EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and is used for EDTA-dependent coagulation factors, complete blood count, and hematology tests.
3. Gray: This tube contains sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which inhibit glycolysis, and is used for tests that measure glucose levels.
4. Blue: This tube contains sodium citrate, which is an anticoagulant, and is used for coagulation tests or tests that measure clotting factors.
5. Green: This tube contains sodium heparin, and is used for plasma or whole blood testing for electrolyte and ammonia levels, as well as some specialized tests.
6. Yellow: This tube contains ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose) or SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate) and is used for collecting blood samples for blood cultures.
Knowing what blood tube colors are for which test is vital in ensuring the correct sample is collected and tested, resulting in accurate results. Healthcare providers must be familiar with the different blood tubes and the test they’re tailored for to diagnose and manage patients’ health properly.
What is the correct order of draw or collection for capillary collection?
Capillary collection is a common method of drawing blood, especially in instances when a person requires a small amount of blood to be drawn. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves collecting blood from capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels found in the fingers, toes, or earlobes. Although capillary collection is a relatively easy process, it has a correct order of draw or collection that should be followed to ensure accurate and meaningful results.
The correct order of draw or collection for capillary collection starts by assembling the necessary equipment. The equipment typically includes alcohol swabs, a lancet, collection tubes or containers, and a gauze pad. The first step is to wash and dry the hands thoroughly. The next step involves preparing the site for collection by using an alcohol swab to clean the area.
The alcohol should be allowed to dry before the next step.
Once the area is prepped, remove the cap of the collection tube and set it aside while holding the tube steady with the other hand. The next step is to position the lancet at the site of collection and press it firmly. The lancet pierces the skin, creating a small cut, and it is important to keep the hand steady during this process.
After piercing the skin, the lancet is removed and discarded.
Next, the collection tube is brought to the site of the cut, and blood is collected by gently pressing the area around the cut. The tube should not be held too close to the skin, as it can create a vacuum that hinders adequate blood flow. Once enough blood has been collected, the tube is removed from the area, and pressure is applied to the cut with a gauze pad until bleeding stops.
Lastly, the cap of the collection tube is securely replaced, and the tube is labeled with the name of the patient, date and time of collection, site of collection, and any other relevant information. The collection tube is then transported to the laboratory for testing.
The correct order of draw or collection for capillary collection is an essential aspect of the procedure, and it should be followed to ensure that accurate and meaningful results are obtained. The order was discussed starting with assembling the necessary equipment, preparing the site for collection, piercing the skin with a lancet, collecting blood with a collection tube, applying pressure to the site, labeling the tube and finally transporting it to the laboratory.
By following this order, healthcare professionals can ensure the accuracy of the results and ensure the safety and comfort of the patients.
What are the 7 blood drawing steps?
The seven blood drawing steps refer to the procedure that healthcare professionals follow when drawing blood from a patient’s body. These steps are crucial in ensuring that the blood is collected correctly, safely, and efficiently. Here is a detailed explanation of each step:
1. Verify patient identification: The first step is to verify the patient’s identification. This involves checking the patient’s name, date of birth, and any other relevant information, such as their medical record number or hospital unit. It is critical to ensure that the correct patient is being tested.
2. Select and prepare the appropriate site: The healthcare professional then selects the appropriate site for blood collection. They will inspect the available veins and choose the one that is most suitable for the procedure. The selected site is then cleaned and sterilized.
3. Assemble equipment: The healthcare professional then assembles all the necessary equipment for the procedure. This may include needles, syringes, collection tubes, rubber tourniquet, cotton gauze, and alcohol swabs.
4. Tourniquet placement: The healthcare professional will place a rubber tourniquet around the patient’s upper arm, just above the selected site. The tourniquet is tightened to restrict blood flow to the arm and make the veins more prominent.
5. Insert needle: The healthcare professional then inserts a needle into the selected vein. The needle should be inserted at a 15 to 30 degree angle and gently slid into the vein at a slow and controlled pace until blood starts to flow.
6. Collect sample: Once the needle is in place, the healthcare professional will then draw blood into the collection tube. They may need to adjust the needle or the position of the tube to ensure proper blood flow.
7. Remove needle and apply pressure: After blood collection, the healthcare professional removes the needle and applies pressure to the site. A cotton gauze is pressed onto the site, and the patient is advised to maintain pressure until the bleeding has stopped. Once bleeding has stopped, a band-aid or dressing is applied to the site.
The 7 blood drawing steps form a standard procedure for collecting blood from a patient. These steps are essential for ensuring that the procedure is performed correctly and safely. Following these steps can help to minimize errors, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes.
What is the acronym for the order of draw you were given?
The order of draw is a procedure that is followed during venipuncture, which refers to the collection of blood from veins for diagnostic tests, transfusions, or donation. The order of draw is a specific sequence of blood collections that ensures the quality and accuracy of the samples collected.
The order of draw is typically represented by the acronym “STOP,” which stands for “Sterile, Tube, Order, and Additive.” Each letter in this acronym signifies a critical step that needs to be followed to avoid cross-contamination or the introduction of additives that may interfere with test results.
The “S” in STOP stands for Sterile. It means that the initial tubes used in venipuncture should be sterile and free from any contaminants that may impact the test results. The “T” in STOP stands for Tube. This means selecting the correct tubes based on the tests to be conducted.
The “O” in STOP stands for Order. The order of draw ensures that the blood samples collected are not contaminated by additives from other tubes. Different tubes have different additives, so the order of draw must be followed to avoid any issues.
Lastly, the “P” in STOP stands for Additive. It refers to the additive in the tubes that prevent coagulation and preserve blood samples for testing. The order of draw is essential to ensure that additives from one tube do not contaminate the subsequent tubes’ additives, which may affect the laboratory test results.
The acronym for the order of draw is STOP, which stands for Sterile, Tube, Order, and Additive. Following the correct order of draw is essential to avoid contamination and interference of additives in blood samples, thus ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory test results.
What comes first when drawing a patient’s blood?
Before drawing a patient’s blood, it is important to follow several steps to ensure that the process is safe, efficient, and accurate. This begins with preparing the necessary materials and equipment, including a tourniquet, alcohol swabs, vacutainer tubes, needles, gloves, and a biohazard container for disposal.
The next step is to identify the patient and confirm their medical information, such as their name, date of birth, and medical record number. This information can be verified by asking the patient directly or checking their wristband or medical chart. It is important to ensure that the right patient is being drawn, to prevent medical errors and protect patient safety.
Once the patient has been identified, it is important to explain the procedure to them and obtain their consent. Patients may have different concerns, questions, or medical conditions that need to be addressed before the blood draw. The healthcare provider must ensure that the patient is comfortable and informed about what will happen during the procedure.
After obtaining consent, the healthcare provider will select an appropriate site for the blood draw, typically the antecubital fossa or inner elbow. The skin will be cleaned with an alcohol swab to reduce the risk of infection or contamination. The tourniquet will be applied above the intended site to increase blood flow and make it easier to locate a vein.
The healthcare provider will then insert a needle into the vein and draw the blood into the vacutainer tubes. It is important to use the appropriate size and color of tubes, depending on the tests that will be ordered. The needle should be removed after the blood has been collected, and pressure may be applied to prevent bleeding or bruising.
Finally, the healthcare provider will dispose of the used materials in the biohazard container and label the tubes with the patient’s information. The blood samples will then be sent to the laboratory for analysis, where they will be processed and tested for various medical conditions, such as infections, diseases, and disorders.
Drawing a patient’s blood involves several important steps, including preparing the materials and equipment, identifying the patient, obtaining consent, selecting an appropriate site, cleaning the skin, applying a tourniquet, inserting the needle, collecting the blood, disposing of the materials, and sending the samples to the lab.
By following these steps, healthcare providers can ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and accurate care.
How to draw blood step by step?
Drawing blood is a common medical procedure that is performed to collect a blood sample for analysis. There are several steps involved in the process of drawing blood which include the following:
Preparing for the Blood Draw:
The first step in drawing blood is to prepare for the procedure. The healthcare professional will gather all the necessary supplies like a fresh needle, clean gloves, alcohol swabs, a tourniquet, and a vacuum tube. They will verify the patient’s identity by checking their name and date of birth.
Selecting a Site:
After getting the supplies, the healthcare professional will identify the best site to draw blood from. The most common sites for blood draw include the veins in the elbow or back of the hand. In some cases, a patient’s medical condition may require drawing blood from other sites like the foot or wrist.
Preparing the Patient:
The patient will be asked to sit in a comfortable position, and a tourniquet will be placed at the upper part of the arm to create pressure and bring the veins closer to the skin. The healthcare professional will ask the patient to make a fist or pump their hand to increase the blood flow to their arm.
Cleansing the Site:
The healthcare professional will use an alcohol swab to clean and disinfect the site where they will perform the blood draw. It is essential to ensure that the site is clean to prevent infection.
Inserting the Needle:
In the next step, the healthcare professional will insert the needle into the selected vein, and the patient may feel a small pinch and discomfort. The needle will be attached to a vacuum tube that contains a specific amount of blood required for the lab analysis.
Collecting the Blood:
After inserting the needle, the healthcare professional will collect the blood by removing the tourniquet, allowing the blood to flow freely into the vacuum tube. It is vital to maintain the tube at the right angle and to ensure that the needle is secured in the vein while collecting the blood.
Post-Blood Draw Care:
After collecting the required amount of blood, the healthcare professional will remove the needle and apply pressure to the site for a few minutes to stop any bleeding. They will then place a band-aid or sterile piece of gauze over the puncture site to protect the area.
Labelling and Sending the Sample:
Once the blood collection is complete, the healthcare professional will label the vacuum tube with the patient’s name, date, and time of collection. The blood sample will then be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Drawing blood is a medical procedure that requires preparation, care, and expertise. By following the above step-by-step process, healthcare professionals can safely and effectively collect blood samples for analysis.
What is the order of draw Why is it important to use the order of draw?
The order of draw is a critical protocol that healthcare professionals follow when drawing blood samples from patients. The process involves drawing blood samples in a specific sequence to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure accurate laboratory test results.
The order of draw follows a specific sequence, which starts with the collection of blood in tubes containing additives to facilitate blood clotting. This is followed by tubes that contain additives for other categories of tests such as chemistry, serology, immunology, hematology, and microbiology. The order may vary depending on the facility’s procedures or the physician’s order.
Using the correct order of draw is crucial in preventing cross-contamination between different patient samples or laboratory tests. The method helps prevent the transfer of additives, cells, or substances that may mix or contaminate the blood samples. For instance, a tube that contains an anticoagulant could interfere with coagulation tests if drawn before blood in a tube that promotes clotting.
The order of draw is also essential in ensuring accurate test results. Different types of additives or anticoagulants in specific tubes prevent clotting or activate enzymes that can alter the test substance. For example, if the blood is collected into a tube with a clotting activator before a tube that contains an anticoagulant, the clotting activator may interfere with hematology testing.
Moreover, accurate test results are essential for a patient’s diagnosis and healthcare treatment. A misdiagnosis based on inaccurate lab results can result in ineffective treatment, disease progression, or even mortality.
The order of draw is important because it prevents cross-contamination and ensures accurate and reliable test results. Following the proper order of draw is critical for healthcare professionals in performing their duties to the highest standard of care to patients. Therefore it is crucial to adhere to the order of draw protocol to help eliminate contamination and obtain lab results that are accurate and reliable.
What is meant by the term order of draw?
The term “order of draw” refers to a specific sequence or protocol that should be followed when collecting multiple blood specimens from a single patient in a single venipuncture. The order of draw is important because it helps to minimize the risk of contamination and errors during the collection and testing of blood specimens.
The order of draw is typically based on the principle of preventing contamination of tubes with additives that can affect subsequent tubes. For example, tubes containing anticoagulants that affect coagulation should be drawn before tubes containing additives that affect serum chemistry, such as clot activators or gel separators.
Following a specific order of draw helps to ensure that the correct tube and additive are used for each blood specimen, and that any contamination or clotting is minimized. The most common order of draw typically follows the sequence of blood cultures, coagulation tests, serum tests, and finally EDTA or other additive tubes.
Additionally, it is important to follow proper handling and labeling procedures in conjunction with the order of draw. Tubes should be labeled correctly and promptly after collection to minimize the risk of sample mix-up, and careful handling should be used to avoid any accidental spills or contamination.
Adherence to the order of draw is an important aspect of phlebotomy and blood collection procedures, as it can help to ensure accurate and reliable test results while minimizing the risk of errors or contamination.
Which of the following is the recommended order of draw for evacuated blood tubes quizlet?
The recommended order of draw for evacuated blood tubes is a critical process in phlebotomy, which requires proper training and knowledge of the appropriate procedures. The order of draw refers to the sequence in which blood specimens are collected when using vacuum tubes, and it is an important measure to ensure accurate test results and avoid cross-contamination.
The following is the recommended order of draw for evacuated blood tubes quizlet:
1. Blood culture bottles – These tubes are used to collect blood samples for microbial culture to identify the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other infectious agents.
2. Sodium citrate (light blue) – These tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents clotting by binding calcium. They are used for coagulation tests such as PT, aPTT, and D-dimer.
3. Serum tubes (red and red/gray) – These tubes are used for collecting serum samples for biochemistry tests, such as glucose, liver function, lipid profile, and renal function.
4. Heparin tubes (green and green/gray) – These tubes contain an anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin and factor Xa. They are used for chemistry tests such as electrolytes, hormones, and enzymes.
5. EDTA tubes (lavender and pink) – These tubes contain an anticoagulant that binds calcium and magnesium. They are used for hematology tests such as complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and HbA1c.
6. Fluoride tubes (gray) – These tubes contain an anticoagulant and a preservative that inhibits glycolysis. They are used for glucose testing.
It is important to note that the order of draw may vary depending on the laboratory protocols and tests requested by the healthcare provider. Each tube must be thoroughly mixed after collection to prevent clotting, hemolysis, or contamination. Moreover, the site of venipuncture should be cleaned properly and allowed to air dry before tube collection to minimize bacterial growth and contamination.
Adhering to the recommended order of draw for evacuated blood tubes ensures the reliable and accurate results of laboratory tests, which is essential for patient diagnoses and treatment.
Which tubes must be first in the order of the draw quizlet?
The order of the draw refers to the specific sequence in which blood collection tubes must be filled during venipuncture. It is an essential aspect of phlebotomy, as it helps to minimize the risk of cross-contamination of blood samples and ensures accurate test results.
There are different types of blood collection tubes available with different additives and anticoagulants, and each tube is designed to collect and preserve specific types of blood components. Therefore, the order in which the tubes are filled is critical to ensure the accuracy and quality of test results.
The tubes that must be first in the order of the draw are those that have no additives or anticoagulants, such as the plain red-top or serum tube. This is because these tubes are used to collect serum, which is the liquid component of blood that remains after the blood has clotted. Therefore, filling these tubes first helps to ensure that the blood has ample time to clot before any anticoagulants are introduced into the system.
After the plain red-top tube, the next in line is the serum separator tube (SST) or the gold-top tube, which contains a gel that helps to separate serum from blood cells after centrifugation. This tube is used to collect serum for chemistry and immunology tests.
Next in the order of the draw are the plasma separator tube (PST) or the green-top tube, which contains lithium heparin, an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting thrombin. This tube is used to collect plasma for chemistry tests and blood gas analysis.
After that, the next in line is the lavender-top tube or the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tube, which contains EDTA, an anticoagulant that works by binding calcium ions, thereby preventing blood from clotting. This tube is used to collect whole blood samples for hematology tests, such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing.
Finally, the last in the order of the draw is the gray-top tube, which contains sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which act as preservatives and anticoagulants but also inhibit anaerobic metabolism. This tube is used to collect samples for glucose testing and lactate measurement.
The order of the draw is crucial in phlebotomy, and the plain red-top or serum tube must be filled first, followed by the SST or gold-top tube, then the green-top or PST tube, the lavender-top or EDTA tube, and lastly the gray-top tube. Following this order helps to ensure accurate and reliable test results and reduces the risk of errors and contamination.
Which tubes should always be drawn first?
In clinical laboratory settings, the order of the tubes for blood collection is highly critical as it affects the test results’ quality and accuracy. The primary determinant of the tube order collection is the specific test to be performed on the blood specimen. In general, blood collection tubes should be drawn in a specific order to reduce the possibility of contamination of the samples, minimize the chance of carryover, and lessen any potential errors.
Conventionally, the tubes should always be drawn in an order that begins with the tubes containing additives, followed by clot activator tubes and finishing with plain empty tubes (without any additive or clot activator). The initial tubes drawn generally contain anticoagulants, which help to prevent the blood from forming clots and may include additives or chemicals that impact the specimen.
The tube that is typically recommended for drawing first is the sterile blood culture tube, which is essential for detecting the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms in the bloodstream. This tube aims to prevent any possible contamination of the sample by bacteria that may be present on the skin, and it also allows for the detection and identification of organisms that may be responsible for causing serious bloodstream infections.
After collecting the blood culture tube, the second recommended tube to be drawn is usually the coagulation tube, which includes the anticoagulant sodium citrate. This tube is essential to ensure that the blood clotting factors remain intact during testing, and it is used to measure prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and international normalized ratio (INR).
Next in the order is the tubes containing other additives like heparin, EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid), or sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate that inhibit blood clotting or help preserve the sample for tests like complete blood count (CBC), glucose level, and electrolyte analysis.
Finally, the empty plain tube should be drawn last since it does not contain any additives or anticoagulants that may affect test results. It is used to collect serum or plasma for tests like blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, or liver function tests.
To summarize, the recommended order of blood tube collection is as follows:
1. Sterile blood culture tube
2. Coagulation tube containing sodium citrate
3. Tubes containing additives like heparin, EDTA or sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate
4. Plain empty tube
It is essential to follow this recommended sequence of blood tube collection to ensure the accuracy of laboratory test results and to reduce the potential for any adverse testing outcomes or clinical error.