A venipuncture is a procedure that involves puncturing a vein to draw blood for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Different types of tubes are used to collect blood depending on the tests that are to be performed. One such tube is the lavender top tube, which is used for a specific set of tests. In this article, we will discuss when a venipuncture is performed using a lavender top tube and why it is used.
What is a Lavender Top Tube?
A lavender top tube, also known as an EDTA tube, is a type of blood collection tube that contains an anticoagulant called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The lavender color indicates that this tube is used for hematology tests, which evaluate the components of blood such as red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
When blood is drawn into a lavender top tube, the EDTA binds with calcium ions in the blood, preventing the blood from clotting. This ensures that the blood remains in a liquid state and can be used for analysis.
When is a Lavender Top Tube Used?
A lavender top tube is used to collect blood for hematology tests, which are essential to evaluate the overall health of a patient. These tests can detect blood disorders, infections, and anemia, among other conditions.
Examples of Hematology Tests that use Lavender Top Tubes:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets in the blood.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body.
- Blood smear: A blood smear is used to examine the shape and size of blood cells for abnormalities.
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: This test is used to detect abnormal types of hemoglobin, which can indicate inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia.
How is a Lavender Top Tube Used in a Venipuncture?
To perform a venipuncture using a lavender top tube, the following steps are typically followed:
- The patient’s arm is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- A tourniquet is placed around the upper arm to make the veins more visible and easier to access.
- The healthcare provider selects a vein and inserts a needle into it.
- Once the blood starts flowing into the tube, the tourniquet is released.
- The needle is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
- The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
After the blood is drawn into the lavender top tube, it should be gently inverted several times to mix the blood with the EDTA anticoagulant. This ensures that the blood doesn’t clot and can be used for analysis.
Conclusion
A lavender top tube is used to collect blood for hematology tests, which can detect various conditions, including blood disorders, anemia, and infections. When performing a venipuncture using a lavender top tube, it is important to follow the proper procedure to ensure that the blood remains in a liquid state and can be used for analysis.
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Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.