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Taking blood for laboratory analysis is a key stage of medical diagnostics that requires the use of appropriate tools and techniques. One of the most important elements is the selection of the right test tube that is adapted to the specificity of the test being performed. The type of tube in which the blood will be collected may affect the quality, stability and reliability of the results, so it is important that each type of tube is selected according to the type of analysis - whether biochemical, hematological or microbiological.
Choice of blood collection tubes – serum or plasma?
Choosing the right type of test tube for download blood is crucial for the accuracy of laboratory analysis results. Test tubes can to contain various substances that affect the composition and properties of collected blood. For example, a citrate tube is often used in blood clotting tests because sodium citrate acts as an anticoagulant, preventing clot formation. In turn, test tubes containing EDTA are selected for morphological studies because it effectively binds calcium ions, which also prevents clotting. For tests requiring glucose measurement, test tubes with sodium fluoride are recommended, which may also contain heparin or fluoride to stabilize glucose levels.
The key is to check which one before choosing a test tube activator coagulation or anticoagulant is appropriate for the planned one survey. Selecting the wrong container can lead to distorted results, which is especially important for precision tests such as measurement coagulation or electrolyte levels as sodium or potassium. Test tubes should also be appropriately swirlto centrifuge cell from the liquid part of the blood, which is necessary to obtain a reliable one blood samples for analysis.
Types of blood collection tubes
Depending on the purpose collecting material for research, choosing the right test tube is crucial. Test tubes with heparin are commonly used in biochemical research, because heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood clotting and enabling full analysis venous blood. Lithium heparin is particularly useful in glucose and electrolyte testing because it does not negatively affect these measurements. When blood samples need to be taken for specialized tests, such as determining the level of creatinine or bilirubin, test tubes without additives that could interfere with the result are selected.
In turn, test tubes with blue cork, containing potassium edetate or citrate, is used for coagulation tests, where a ratio of 9 parts of blood to 1 part of anticoagulant is necessary to maintain the correct proportion. These tubes allow for precise testing of clotting factors. Tubes should be sent to a diagnostic laboratory as soon as possible after puncture to maintain sample integrity and obtain reliable results. Proper sample storage is also often required, especially if analysis cannot be performed immediately. Proper storage ensures that key parameters such as hemoglobin or creatinine, remain stable until the moment of testing.
Test tubes with serum
Blood serum collection tubes are a key tool in medical diagnostics, enabling precision Signs various parameters. It is important to understand the differences between the types of tubes available that are tailored to your specific needs case of research:
- Silica-based test tubes: They are filled with silica nanoparticles that activate clotting by initiating factor XII. Particularly recommended are:
- In cases where rapid activation of coagulation is required: The silica content accelerates the solidification process, which is beneficial in situations requiring immediate processing samples.
- For sensitive diagnostic tests without separating gel: These tubes are preferred in diagnostics where any gel contamination could affect test results.
The use of these test tubes allows for effective and stable testing download amount of blood necessary for analyses, which is indispensable for tests such as determining the levels of proteins, lipids, hormones and electrolytes. Thanks to the stability of the serum, it is also possible to store it - samples can be safely stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later testing. This organization of work allows analyzes to be carried out in batches, which is particularly important in high-throughput laboratories.
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Test tubes with anticoagulant
Anticoagulant tubes are an essential tool in many diagnostic procedures because they provide stability and integrity collected into a test tube blood. Here is an overview of the most commonly used types of anticoagulant tubes:
- EDTA test tubes (purple): They are essential tools in hematology. EDTA works by chelating calcium, which is key to preventing clotting. They are used for:
- Identification and counting of blood cells,
- Blood typing,
- Storage of genetic material.
- Sodium citrate test tubes (light blue): Ideal for coagulation and platelet function tests. Unlike EDTA, the effects of citrate are reversible, allowing calcium to be added back into the body samples under controlled conditions. Download first the tube should be “discarded” to avoid blood activation.
- CTAD tubes: Although less frequently used, they are crucial in the study of platelet function, thanks to the content of citrate, theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole. Their special feature is sensitivity to light, which requires storage in the dark.
- Heparin test tubes (green): They contain lithium or sodium heparin, which inhibit the formation of thrombin. They are primarily used in tests that require plasma rather than serum. They may also contain a release gel.
- Test tubes with sodium fluoride: Used to test glucose and lactate levels, contain an anticoagulant and an antiglycolytic agent that prevents glucose metabolism.
- Acid Dextrose Citrate-ACD and Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate-SPS test tubes (yellow): These specialized tubes are used for blood and tissue typing and DNA analysis (ACD) and bacterial growth stabilization for microbiological applications (SPS).
Selecting the appropriate anticoagulant tube is crucial to obtaining precise diagnostic results. An appropriate anticoagulant ensures that samples are stored and processed in a manner that protects against degradation, which is particularly important when identifying various health conditions or diseases.
Also check - Spherical flask. What is a round-bottomed flask and what is it used for?
Cryo tubes