Blood collection tubes, used to collect blood samples contain heparin which stabilizes the red blood cell membranes, are used for specialized hematology studies.

Whole blood is collected in blood collection tubes or syringes that contain the appropriate anticoagulant to inhibit coagulation. A blood collection tube containing EDTA, a chelating anticoagulant is required for routine hematology tests.

The evacuated tube system for blood collection in use for various laboratory tests consists of tubes of various sizes, with color-coded tops indicating tube contents.

Most blood collection tubes contain an additive that either accelerates clotting of the blood or prevents the blood from clotting.

Commonly used blood collection tubes:

There are seven commonly used blood collection tubes. These are the serum tube, coagulation tube, erythrocyte sedimentation rate tube, heparin tube, EDTA tube, Citrate Tube and sodium fluoride tube. Colour Codes are Red, Purple, Yellow, Blue, Green, Black, Grey tubes. All colors are available in Vacuumed and Non-Vacuumized tubes.

Many other types of blood collection tubes are available for an array of special tests. The PA is advised to consult the laboratory before collecting any blood test specimen that may require specialized collection procedures.

All variants and combinations of vacuum and non vacuum blood collection tubes are available anytime at www.microsidd.com