The Blood Draw Ballet: Mastering the Order of Draw for Accurate Results

Ever wondered if there's a specific method to blood collection? You bet there is! It's called the "order of draw," and it's crucial for ensuring accurate lab results. Imagine different tubes containing various additives that can contaminate subsequent draws if the order is incorrect.

So, what's the dance routine? While specific orders can vary slightly depending on your facility, a general guideline often follows this pattern:

1. **Blood Culture Tubes:** (Yellow-black stopper) Always first to maintain sterility.
2. **Coagulation Tubes:** (Light Blue stopper) For testing clotting times; proper filling is essential.
3. **Serum Tubes:** (Red, Gold, or Orange stopper) Allow blood to clot before testing.
4. **Heparin Tubes:** (Green stopper) Contain heparin to prevent clotting.
5. **EDTA Tubes:** (Lavender or Purple stopper) Used for hematology tests.
6. **Glycolytic Inhibitor Tubes:** (Gray stopper) Contain substances that prevent glucose breakdown.

Following the correct order of draw minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and ensures the integrity of your patient's blood samples, ultimately leading to reliable diagnostic information. Remember, accuracy starts with the draw!