Order Of Draw And Discarding Tubes In Blood Collection: Importance And Proper Techniques

Summary

• The order of draw is important in blood collection as it helps to prevent sample contamination and ensure accurate test results.
• Discarding tubes before collecting samples helps remove potential contaminants from the needle and tubing, reducing the risk of inaccurate test results.
• Following proper procedures for the order of draw and discarding tubes is essential for maintaining the quality of blood samples and ensuring accurate test results.

Introduction

When it comes to blood collection, there are important steps that must be followed to ensure accurate test results. One of these steps is the order of draw, which refers to the sequence in which blood samples are collected from different tubes. Additionally, discarding tubes before collecting samples is another crucial aspect of blood collection. In this article, we will explore how the order of draw and discarding tubes can affect blood collection and the quality of the samples obtained.

The Order of Draw

The order of draw is a critical aspect of blood collection that is designed to prevent sample contamination and ensure accurate test results. By following a specific sequence when collecting blood samples, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of cross-contamination between tubes and ensure that test results are reliable.

Importance of the Order of Draw

There are several reasons why the order of draw is important in blood collection:

1. Prevents contamination: By following a specific sequence, healthcare professionals can reduce the risk of sample contamination from additives in different tubes.
2. Ensures accurate test results: Properly following the order of draw can help avoid false-positive or false-negative results by minimizing the risk of carryover between tubes.
3. Standardizes procedures: Having a standardized order of draw ensures consistency in blood collection practices across different healthcare settings.

Common Order of Draw

While the specific order of draw may vary slightly depending on the facility or testing requirements, a common sequence that is often followed includes:

1. Yellow or SPS (sodium polyanethol sulphonate) tubes for blood cultures
2. Light blue tubes for coagulation tests
3. Red or gold tubes for chemistry tests
4. Green tubes for plasma tests
5. Lavender tubes for hematology tests

Discarding Tubes

In addition to following the proper order of draw, discarding tubes before collecting samples is another important step in blood collection. Discarding tubes helps remove potential contaminants from the needle and tubing, reducing the risk of inaccurate test results.

Why Discard Tubes?

There are several reasons why discarding tubes before collecting samples is necessary:

1. Removes air from the tubing: Discarding tubes helps remove any air that may be present in the tubing, which could affect the accuracy of test results.
2. Clears the needle of contaminants: By discarding tubes, any potential contaminants that may be present in the needle are removed, reducing the risk of sample contamination.
3. Ensures accurate test results: Properly discarding tubes helps maintain the integrity of the blood sample and ensures that test results are reliable.

Proper Technique for Discarding Tubes

When discarding tubes before collecting samples, it is important to follow these steps to ensure proper technique:

1. Remove the tube from the needle carefully, ensuring that there are no spills or leaks.
2. Dispose of the tube in a designated sharps container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
3. Repeat the process for each tube that needs to be discarded before collecting samples.

Conclusion

The order of draw and discarding tubes are essential aspects of blood collection that play a significant role in maintaining the quality of blood samples and ensuring accurate test results. By following the proper procedures for the order of draw and discarding tubes, healthcare professionals can minimize the risk of contamination and ensure that test results are reliable. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the importance of these steps and to follow them consistently in their practice.

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