Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to medical diagnosis it is extremely important to be precise and accurate. Of all the different tools used in laboratories, sodium citrate separation gel blood collection tubes have turned out to be a very vital asset while conducting coagulation tests. These are the tubes used for blood sampling in which diagnostic tests of numerous disorders in blood clotting, hemostasis, as well as platelet are established. The following information includes technical information, advantages, uses, and precautions surrounding sodium citrate tubes with separation gel focusing on its importance in the medical laboratory.

What are Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes?

Blood collection tubes containing sodium citrate separation gel are designed vessels that are specifically used for the process of separation of plasma from other components of blood. These PT tubes contain separation gel that creates a wall during the process of spin. This allows one to have a complete separation of plasma from blood cells as samples for testing offering a clear niche for analysis.

The anticoagulant applied to these tubes is sodium citrate which helps avoid the formation of blood clots. Patients’ blood should not clot during transportation and storage, and the anticoagulant ensures this aspect is achieved effectively to support effective coagulation studies.

Special Attributes of Sodium Citrate Tubes with Separation Gel

Separation Gel:

After centrifugation, this gel is capable of providing a barrier that is stable between the plasma level and blood cells. They can be done on any part of the blood but are very sensitive to platelet interaction therefore require the specific part of blood for analysis, for example, coagulation, hemostasis, and platelet function tests.

Anticoagulant:

Sodium citrate is again used as a blood anticoagulant, which is used to keep the blood in a liquid state for the purpose of testing. This is important for coagulation investigation.

Vacuum Sealed:

Tubes are then inverted and vacuum sealed to ensure that the right volume of blood is drawn by the time of collection. This assists in keeping a rather coherent integrity of samples obtained.

Compatibility:

Coated on these tubes are features that enable their suitability to be used in laboratories that use automated analyzers.

The Functions of Separation Gel in Blood Collection Tubes

The fact is that separation gel in blood collection tubes is one of the most essential parts of a blood sample that guarantees proper sample processing. The gel builds a physical barrier between the plasma and blood cells should the tube undergo centrifuging. This separation is necessary for instance to get quote plasma free from blood cells which are essential for most of the tests.

•          Centrifugation Process: When the blood is being centrifuged, it forms the three layers one of which is plasma, the second one is the white blood cells and the third is the red blood cells. The antigelling agent also creates a wide interface between the plasma and the red blood cell, allowing a sample plasma to be collected for testing.

•          Clear Plasma Samples: This actually reduces the chances of interference from other blood products thus making the plasma to be very clear.

•          Prevention of Hemolysis: The gel does not allow the breaking of red blood cells (known as hemolysis), which is a major cause of falsely abnormal tests.

Uses of Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes

Sodium citrate separation gel blood collection tubes can be used in most tests that are coagulation factors related. Below are some of the key applications:

Coagulation Studies:

These tubes represent the control in tests that refer to the clotting competence of the blood. They are employed in the diagnosis of bleeding disorders, thrombosis, and coagulation disorders.

Platelet Function Testing:

The tubes are used when testing the capability of platelets to function and this is always essential when diagnosing platelet disorders.

Hemostasis Testing:

 Hemostasis can be defined as the process that prevents and arrest bleeding. Sodium citrate tubes are employed for the determination of diversified phases of this process in blood.

In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs):

These tubes serve as a routine test for many clinical laboratories and help give essential information on blood clotting and hemostasis abnormalities.

Plasma Separator Tubes:

They are also used for the Centrifugation of plasma from the blood cells in all sorts of other diagnostic tests.

Why Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes are Essential?

These tubes have their own benefits which make them useful in medical laboratories. It cannot be overemphasized that they are critical to the correct test outcomes, most importantly in cases of blood coagulation disorders.

•          Accurate Results: The separation gel makes the plasma free from contamination during coagulation studies hence giving accurate results.

•          Efficient Sample Processing: The vacuum-sealed tubes reduce the variability of sample collection since every sample is withdrawn with the proper volume of blood.

•          Convenience: The gel barrier decreases the chances of developing a manual error which makes the method efficient and least likely to contaminate.

•          Reliability: These tubes also provide a dependable product for coagulation laboratories, since sodium citrate is one of the most potent anticoagulants to prevent a blood sample from clotting.

How to Use Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes?

Sampling with sodium citrate separation gel blood collection tubes has to be used properly in order to obtain the test results that would be reliable. Here are some key steps:

Prepare the Tubes: Check that the tubes are not crushed and that the separation gel has to be evenly distributed.

Blood Collection: The tubes used should be vacuum sealed and need to be used for drawing blood from the patient. Proper blood collection procedures should be followed so as to minimize contamination or degradation in the collected samples.

Centrifugation: Subsequently, the tubes must also be spun down so as to sediment the blood cells from the plasma. The separation gel will prevent the plasma as well as blood cells from coagulating together.

Storage: The tubes should also be stored properly, as per the guidelines on temperature as well as on how to handle the sample so as to have the sample intact to be tested.

How to Select Sodium Citrate Separation Gel Blood Collection Tubes?

When it comes to use in a laboratory setting, there is nothing quite as important as selecting the correct blood collection tube. Here are some factors to consider:

Tube Size and Volume: Make sure that the size of the tube corresponds to the volume you need for tests. This we find is particularly relevant in large volume diagnostic centers.

Type of Test: Consult sodium citrate tubes if you are testing for coagulants or plasma separator tests. In the case of other blood tests like the complete blood count (CBC), other tubes may be more suited.

Manufacturer Quality: When patronizing blood collection tubes, it is always best to buy from reliable manufacturers of clinical laboratory supplies.

Conclusion

Sodium citrate separation gel blood collection tubes are an essential tool in medical diagnostics, particularly in coagulation studies and plasma separation. These tubes, with their combination of separation gel and sodium citrate anticoagulant, offer accuracy, reliability, and convenience for laboratory professionals. For more information on medical laboratory supplies and diagnostic testing, visit Vesemed official website for a wide range of high-quality blood collection tubes and other medical equipment.