Hey there, fellow readers! It’s Jasmine, your friendly Clinical Lab Technician, here to share some insights from my life and my knowledge about phlebotomy and healthcare. Today, I’m feeling lively and excited to dive into a topic that is currently making waves in the healthcare industry – hygiene.
Now, we all know that hygiene plays a crucial role in keeping us healthy and safe, but let me tell you a personal story that truly highlights its importance. A few months ago, I had the opportunity to work in a bustling hospital, dealing with various patients on a daily basis. One day, I came across a patient who was suffering from a highly contagious infection. Despite taking all the necessary precautions, I ended up contracting the infection myself. It was a tough lesson to learn, and it made me realize just how vital proper hygiene practices are in our line of work.
Speaking of hygiene, let’s move on to the question at hand – why is a light green top tube chosen for lithium heparin plasma tests? Well, my friends, the answer lies in the properties of lithium heparin itself. You see, lithium heparin is an anticoagulant that is commonly used to prevent blood clotting in plasma samples.
The light green top tube, also known as the PST tube or plasma separator tube, contains a gel barrier that separates the plasma from the other components of the blood. This gel barrier helps to ensure a clean and clear plasma sample, free from any interference from the red and white blood cells.
But why light green? That’s because the color coding system in the healthcare industry plays a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Different tube colors are used to indicate the specific type of anticoagulant or additive present in the tube, making it easier for healthcare professionals to identify the correct tubes for specific tests.
For lithium heparin plasma tests, the light green top tube is chosen because it contains both lithium heparin and a gel barrier. This combination ensures that the sample remains stable and free from clot formation, allowing for accurate and reliable test results.
So, my friends, next time you come across a light green top tube during a blood draw, remember its role in helping us obtain accurate plasma samples for testing. And of course, don’t forget the importance of hygiene in our everyday lives – it’s the key to maintaining a healthy and happy existence.
Until next time, stay safe and keep spreading kindness and good vibes!
Jasmine, your kind-hearted Clinical Lab Technician.