ORDER OF DRAW Flashcards
1 YELLOW
Aerobic (often blue) then Anaerobic (often purple)
Additive: Sodium Polyanethol Sulfate (aka SPS)
Mnemonic: YOUNG
Usually for blood cultures, these tubes needs to be drawn first and should be inverted 8-10 times after draw.
Dept/Uses: MICROBIOLOGY, BLOOD CULTURES
Common Tests: Bacterial, Fungal
Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate
SPS; trade name, Liquoid
Anticoagulant; a constituent in culture media used to grow bacteria from blood samples from patients suspected of bacteremia. SPS prevents the killing of bacteria by innate cellular and humoral factors.
2 BLUE (aka Light Blue)
Additive: Sodium Citrate
Mnemonic: BOTTOMS
This tube contains a Citrate additive with a 9:1 ratio, it is used to run clotting test. Due to the citrate additive it is so important to fill the tube to the proper amount, usually marked by a blue line on the tube.
Dept/Uses: COAGULATION
Common Tests: PT, PTT, INR, ACT, Fibrinogen, D-Dimer, Clotting Factors
Sodium Citrate
Sodium Citrate (the sodium salt of citric acid) blood collection tubes contain a measured amount of citrate solution and are used for coagulation determinations in citrated plasma. Since the liquid citrate dilutes the blood, it is essential that the tube is completely filled with blood sample so that the dilution is properly carried out.
PT
Prothrombin Time (PT) Test (BLUE TUBE)
A prothrombin time (PT) blood test measures the time it takes for your plasma to clot. The most common reason for PT tests is to monitor your blood levels if you are taking the blood-thinner warfarin.
Prevents blood from clotting by binding calcium.
PTT
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) Test (BLUE TUBE)
PTT measures the time it takes for a blood clot to form. Normally, when you get a cut or injury that causes bleeding, proteins in your blood called coagulation factors work together to form a blood clot.
INR
International Normalized Ratio (INR) is calculated from a PT result and is used to monitor how well the blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant) warfarin (Coumadin®) is working to prevent blood clots.
ACT
Activated Clotting Time (ACT) is a test that is used primarily to monitor high doses of unfractionated (standard) heparin therapy. Heparin is a drug that inhibits blood clotting (anticoagulant) and is usually given intravenously (IV) by injection or continuous infusion.
Fibrinogen (FBT)
Fibrinogen Blood Test is used to assess how well the protein called fibrinogen — also called coagulation factor I — performs in the blood and to measure its levels in your blood. The test is also called the factor I (fibrinogen), serum fibrinogen, and functional fibrinogen test.
Fibrinogen is produced by the liver and is important for blood clotting. It is a protein that helps stop bleeding and support wound healing by forming clots at the site of bleeding wherever it is on your body.
D-Dimer Test
D-Dimer Test is a blood test that indicates whether blood clots are being actively formed somewhere within a person’s vascular system.
This test is most often helpful in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolus and deep vein thrombosis, but it can also be useful in diagnosing other medical conditions in which blood clots play a role.
Coagulation Factor Tests
Coagulation Factor Tests are blood tests that check the function of one or more of your coagulation factors.
Coagulation factors are known by Roman numerals (I, II VIII, etc.) or by name (fibrinogen, prothrombin, hemophilia A, etc.). If any of your factors are missing or defective, it can lead to heavy, uncontrolled bleeding after an injury.
3 RED ((aka as Gold or Tiger top)
Additive: None
SST
Mnemonic: REALLY
Red tubes (Serum tubes): A serum tube is usually used for odd testing such as drug levels. Drawn first if blood cultures are not required, there is no need to invert these tubes.
Dept/Uses: CHEMISTRY, SEROLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY
Common Tests: Standard chemistries, serum testing, therapeutic drug levels, BMP, CMP, Lipids, CPK, Pregnancy, Thyroid, Mag.Phos, LFT’s
BMP
Basic Metabolic Panel
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a test that measures eight different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how the body uses food and energy. A BMP includes tests for the following:
Glucose, a type of sugar and your body’s main source of energy.
Calcium, one of the body’s most important minerals.
Calcium is essential for proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart.
Sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, and chloride. These are electrolytes, electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases in your body.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine, waste products removed from your blood by your kidneys.
CMP
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that provides information about a person’s liver and kidneys, body sugar and protein levels, and electrolyte and fluid balance. Doctors order a CMP test to help diagnose liver disease or kidney disease, as well as conditions like diabetes.
Lipid Profile Test (cholesterol)
A complete cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis).
A cholesterol test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels often are a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.
