Decoding the Colour Codes of Evacuated Blood Collection Tubes

Invented by Joseph Kleiner and Becton Dickinson in , an evacuated blood collection tube is a sterile plastic or glass test tube that is used to collect blood specimens. It has a coloured rubber stopper that creates a vacuum seal inside the tube, enabling a predetermined volume of liquid to be drawn. Blood collection tubes may contain additives to stabilize and preserve the blood sample prior to analytical testing.

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Every evacuated blood collection tube is covered with a colour-coded plastic or rubber cap. The colour helps indicate the type of additives in the tube. Additives include chemical substances like anticoagulants that preserve the blood for processing in a laboratory. Some tubes also contain a gel that has a density between that of blood cells and serum. When these gel-containing tubes are centrifuged, the blood cells sink to the bottom and the serum – separated by a layer of the gel – accumulates on top. Evacuated blood collection tubes not containing gel or a clotting agent, on the other hand, are used when plasma, instead of serum, is required for lab analysis.

Every additive has a specific function and is selected as per the laboratory test to be performed. The colour indicators on the tubes help the phlebotomist identify the tube in which the blood should be drawn in accordance with the recommended test. Since blood collection tubes and tests are connected, using the wrong colour tube may render the blood sample unusable for the intended test.

The Colour Code

There is a standard protocol to the colour code on blood collection tubes that is universally applied across the medical field. Here is a comprehensive table that sheds light on the colour codes, the additives they indicate, and what they are used for.

There are blood collection tubes for more specific purposes; however, the aforementioned are most commonly used. Safe, convenient, and easy to use, evacuated blood tubes offer several benefits such as facilitating multi-tube draws, while lowering the odds of hemolysis. Consequently, they are widely used in phlebotomy in both developed and developing countries across the world. HMD, a renowned name in the healthcare industry, offers Vaku-8 evacuated tubes that help in collecting blood directly into the tube during venepuncture procedure. The evacuated tubes protect the phlebotomist from the chances of risky blood exposure, thereby ensuring their safety.

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Summary:

• A closure in a test tube serves as a seal to prevent contamination or evaporation of the contents inside
• It helps maintain the integrity of the sample being tested
• There are different types of closures available for test tubes depending on the specific requirements of the experiment or sample

Introduction

Test tubes are commonly used in laboratories for various experiments and tests. These cylindrical containers are typically made of glass and come in different sizes to accommodate different volumes of liquids or samples. However, simply having a test tube is not enough to ensure the success of an experiment. A proper closure is essential to seal the test tube and prevent any external factors from affecting the contents inside. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of closures in test tubes and the different types available.

The Purpose of a Closure

A closure in a test tube serves several important purposes:

1. Preventing contamination: One of the primary reasons for using closures in test tubes is to prevent contamination of the sample. By sealing the test tube with a closure, it reduces the risk of outside contaminants such as dust, bacteria, or other particles from entering the tube and affecting the results of the experiment.

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2. Minimizing evaporation: Some experiments require a specific volume of liquid to be maintained throughout the duration of the test. A closure helps minimize evaporation of the liquid, ensuring that the sample remains consistent and accurate for the experiment.

3. Protecting the sample: Closures also help protect the sample inside the test tube from accidental spills or exposure to light, heat, or other factors that could alter the properties of the sample.

Types of Closures

There are several different types of closures available for test tubes, each with its own unique features and benefits:

1. Cork Stoppers

Cork stoppers are a traditional type of closure that is commonly used in test tubes. They are made of natural cork material and are known for their tight seal, which helps prevent contamination and evaporation. Cork stoppers are typically reusable and can be easily inserted and removed from the test tube.

2. Rubber Stoppers

Rubber stoppers are another popular choice for sealing test tubes. They are made of rubber material, which provides a secure and airtight seal. Rubber stoppers come in a variety of sizes to fit different test tube openings and are known for their durability and resistance to chemicals.

3. Screw Caps

Screw caps are a convenient type of closure that can be easily screwed on and off the test tube. They provide a tight seal and are often used for experiments that require frequent access to the sample. Screw caps are available in plastic or metal materials, depending on the specific requirements of the experiment.

4. Parafilm

Parafilm is a thin, flexible plastic film that can be stretched and wrapped around the opening of a test tube to create a seal. It is commonly used for experiments that require a breathable closure or when a more temporary seal is needed. Parafilm is easy to apply and remove, making it a versatile option for sealing test tubes.

5. Glass Stoppers

Glass stoppers are made of glass material and provide a secure seal for test tubes. They are often used for experiments that require a transparent closure or when a more heat-resistant option is needed. Glass stoppers are reusable and can be easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, closures play a crucial role in ensuring the success of experiments conducted in test tubes. They help prevent contamination, minimize evaporation, and protect the integrity of the sample being tested. By choosing the right type of closure for a test tube, researchers can ensure that their experiments yield accurate and reliable results. Whether it's a cork stopper, rubber stopper, screw cap, Parafilm, or glass stopper, each closure offers unique benefits that cater to specific experiment requirements. Understanding the importance of closures in test tubes is essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of scientific experiments.

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