Understanding the Significance of Additives in Blood Collection Tubes

 Image: Kaustubh Ravan

Blood tests are a cornerstone of medical diagnostics. Whether you're checking for infections, monitoring chronic conditions, or assessing overall health, blood collection plays a critical role. However, what happens after a blood sample is taken is just as important as the collection itself. Blood collection tubes with specific additives are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sample and ensuring accurate test results. Here's why they matter.

Overview of Blood Collection Tubes

Blood collection tubes have revolutionized lab testing by simplifying how samples are prepared for analysis. These tubes are designed to preserve the sample, enabling laboratories to process and investigate blood components effectively. They come in various types, each tailored to specific testing requirements.

Types of Blood Collection Tubes

Different types of tubes are used depending on the test being performed. Here are some of the most common ones:

•    Serum Tubes: Used for chemistry tests, these tubes often contain a clot activator to speed up the coagulation process. After centrifugation, serum is separated for analysis.
•    Plasma Tubes: These contain anticoagulants like heparin or EDTA, preventing blood from clotting. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, can be extracted for various tests.
•    Anticoagulant Tubes: These are used in tests like CBC (Complete Blood Count) and coagulation studies. Common additives include EDTA, sodium citrate, and potassium oxalate.

Each tube serves a specific purpose, making it essential to choose the right one for accurate diagnostics.

Color-Coding and Its Significance

Ever noticed those bright-colored tops on blood collection tubes? That color isn't just for looks—it serves as a critical guide. Each color indicates the specific additive inside the tube. For example:

•    Red: No additive or a clot activator for serum collection.
•    Purple/Lavender: EDTA for hematology tests like CBC.
•    Light Blue: Sodium citrate for coagulation studies.
•    Green: Heparin used for plasma tests in chemistry.

This universal color-coding system eliminates confusion and ensures that healthcare professionals handle each sample correctly, minimizing errors.

What Are Additives in Blood Collection Tubes?

Additives are substances included in blood collection tubes that either preserve the sample or prepare it for testing. Without these additives, blood samples could degrade quickly or fail to meet the lab's specific needs.

Common Additives and Their Functions

Here’s a closer look at some of the most widely used additives and how they work:

1.    EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
o    Function: Prevents clotting by binding calcium in the blood.
o    Common Use: Hematology tests (e.g., Complete Blood Count).
2.    Heparin
o    Function: Inhibits thrombin to prevent clot formation.
o    Common Use: Plasma separation for chemistry tests.
3.    Sodium Citrate
o    Function: Prevents coagulation by binding calcium.
o    Common Use: Coagulation studies (e.g., PT/INR).
4.    Clot Activators
o    Function: Speeds up clotting for serum collection.
o    Common Use: Chemistry panels, hormone testing.
5.    Gel Separators
o    Function: Keeps different components of blood separate after centrifugation.
o    Common Use: Serum or plasma-based tests.
 

These additives are purpose-built to address specific laboratory needs, ensuring results you can trust.

How Additives Affect Test Results

The additive inside the tube can directly impact test outcomes. For instance, using the wrong anticoagulant may alter the blood's chemical composition, leading to unreliable results. That’s why it's crucial to use the correct tube type and additive. Even small errors, like underfilling a tube, can throw off the delicate balance of additives and blood, compromising the results.

Best Practices for Handling Blood Collection Tubes with Additives

Proper handling of blood collection tubes is essential to safeguard sample quality and, ultimately, patient care. From collection to analysis, every step matters.

Mixing and Storage Guidelines

Once a sample is collected, tubes should be gently inverted several times to ensure the additive is evenly mixed with the blood. Vigorous shaking should be avoided, as this can damage cells or lead to hemolysis (the breaking down of red blood cells).

Storage is another crucial factor. Most samples should be processed quickly or stored at specific temperatures. Always follow the recommendations for each type of tube to prevent degradation.

Avoiding Contamination

Cross-contamination poses a major risk during blood collection. To prevent it, healthcare professionals must use separate tubes and needles for each patient, keeping workspaces clean and organized. Labeling each tube accurately and immediately after collection reduces errors and ensures proper sample identification.

Blood Collection Tubes Industry

The global blood collection tubes market was valued at approximately USD 2.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2032, reaching an estimated USD 3.6 billion by 2032.

Several factors are driving this growth:

•    Rising demand for diagnostic tests due to aging populations and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
•    Advancements in healthcare infrastructure in developing countries.
•    Innovations in blood collection tubes, such as improved materials and safety designs, reducing the risk of contamination or injury.
 

As healthcare continues to advance, the demand for high-quality blood collection tools will only get stronger.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Blood Collection Tubes Market

Author

 

Kaustubh Ravan is a passionate market research analyst and writer specializing in emerging industry trends and market dynamics. With expertise in diverse sectors, he delivers in-depth insights and data-driven reports. His work helps businesses navigate evolving markets and make informed decisions. Kaustubh analytical approach and keen industry foresight make him a trusted voice in market research.
 

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6 Different Types of Needles Used for Blood Collection

 Blood donation (designed by Tim Sandle)

Blood collection is the most common way of diagnosing a patient's health. It not only detects the conditions or status of any diseases, but blood testing also helps prevent the risk from increasing. But the most important thing to consider in the entire process is to know which needles to use. These days, there are many types of needles available for collecting blood samples. 

 

By MedGuard

 

Wondering what these needles are? Because each needle has its own features and uses, not every one of them is the same. In addition to different types of needles, the sizes also vary. So to help you better understand, here are the different types of needles that are used for blood collection.

These are the 6 Types of Needles Used in Collecting Blood

1.   Butterfly Needle

Butterfly needles also known as winged infusion needles sets are thin and short in design. It has butterfly wings due to its two plastic appendages on either side. They mostly have a gauge range between 18 to 27. These are best suitable for patients who have blood disorders, seizures, etc or people with fragile and thin veins. It can be used both on children as well as adults as it is easy to use.

2.   Hypodermic Needle

Hypodermic needles are hollow needles used for collecting blood from a vein. These are the most commonly used as they are fast and safe to use. It is best suitable when it comes to fast delivery of fluids into a patient's body. The gauge size ranges between 16 to 30 and they come in various sizes. The best part is that these needles are easily connected to syringes.

3.   Vacutainer Needle

Vacutainer needles provide a whole system of collecting blood into a vacuum blood collection tube. With the use of this needle, the process becomes easier, thanks to the rubber sleeve at one end that helps create a vacuum within the tube itself. Talking about size, you can choose from 1 to 1.5 inches and the gauge ranges between 19 to 22.

4.   Blood Collection Disposable Needles

Another needle used for collecting blood is the blood collection disposable needles. These are typically disposable and are designed for single use. These are highly in demand as they reduce the risk of contamination, ensuring more safety and hygiene during the blood-collecting procedure. These needles come in various sizes and the gauge ranges between 18 to 25.

5.   Straight Needle

Straight needles are blood collection needles best suitable for multiple samples. It is straight, and thin and can attach many tubes. These are available in 21 and 22-gauge and offer accurate venous samples. Even though it comes with fewer needlestick injuries, healthcare professionals must be careful when using it as it might be painful for the patient.

6.   Surgilance One-Step Needle

Surgilance One-Step Needle is a micro-blood sampling device and is a single-use needle. It is one of the safest and easiest methods as it minimizes the risk of needlestick injury. The best thing about this needle is that it is not painful for the patient as it gently pricks the skin for blood sample collection.

Safety Measures to Follow when Collecting Blood Using Needles

Working with blood-collecting needles requires safety precautions for both the blood collector as well as the patient. And to help you, here are safety issues you must follow when collecting blood using needles:

➔  Wear Gloves

When dealing with blood collection needles, always make sure to clean your hands and wear gloves throughout all blood draws. Once done with the procedure, remove and discard the glove immediately. Also when changing gloves, remember to wash your hands or you can also use alcohol-based cleansers. If washing hands with soap and water, the duration must be between 40 to 60 seconds and if using alcohol-based solutions then the duration will be between 20 to 30 seconds.

➔  Take Care of the Needle

Talking about needles, they shouldn't be recapped even if not used. The infected needle from a blood collection unit shouldn't be disposed of, instead the tube holder assembly and the needle must be disposed of together. Also to prevent injuries remember to use the right needles.

➔ Take Care of your Patient

When collecting blood, taking care of patients is much as important as taking care of the needles. It is stated that most people faint or pass out before or after giving blood samples, so always stay alert beforehand. So when collecting blood, grip your patient's shoulder and upper arm firmly. Also, bear in mind to stop collecting blood if a vein gets suddenly provoked. Also, a needle and syringe used shouldn't be reused for any other patient.

Are there any Risks if Blood Sample Collection is not Done Properly?

Even though blood collection sample is a serious process, if not done properly it can lead to several risks. The very first risk that occurs due to improper blood collecting procedures is inaccurate results. If this is what happens, then the patient will have to undergo the procedures again bearing the inconvenience.

Other risks involved with improper blood collecting sample procedure are passing out or loss of consciousness, bruises, pain, swelling around the area, infection blood clots, bleeding and discomfort. Moreover, in some cases in which the size of the needle is incorrect, it can also lead to nerve damage.

Trust Us for All your Needle Needs

We at MedGuard are the best suppliers of needles for medical uses. Our team of highly knowledgeable professionals are educated to provide you with the information you need. We have a wide range of needles such as hypodermic needles, infusion needles and more, each available in different sizes and for various purposes. All our products are highly tested and go through strict checkings.

Because we aim to cater to the needs of every industry such as nurses, hospitals, doctors and more, we keep all our products well stocked. Therefore, you can order both in small or in bulk quantities. Our prices are also very affordable and we deliver products promptly. So rely on us for all your medical needs.

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