Understanding Sodium Citrate Blood Collection Tubes: An Essential Guide

For diagnostic tests majorly coagulation studies, blood collection tubes are very important when it comes to the accuracy of tests. Sodium citrate blood collection tubes more often called PT Tubes or Province Town Tubes are suited for coagulation tests as they perform as calcium chelating anticoagulants. Here we shall discuss why these tubes are an important tool in laboratory testing, the important characteristics of these tubes, and why Vesemed should be your go-to supplier of blood collection tube supplies.

What is a Sodium Citrate Blood Collection Tube?

Sodium citrate blood collection tubes are vacuum-type tubes filled with 3.2 % sodium citrate solution and used for blood sampling. This anticoagulant function is important in coagulation tests because the reagent will bind calcium ions thus inhibiting coagulation. The precise ratio of sodium citrate to blood (1:9) enhances the reliability of tests that may need exact volumes for the identification of the optimal outcome.

The Role of Sodium Citrate as Anticoagulant

Sodium citrate has an anticoagulant effect, but these effects are due to an innovation known as chelation. Chelation is defined as when sodium citrate prototypes and combines with calcium ions that are circulating in the blood. Since calcium plays a big role in blood clotting, sodium citrate interferes with this process by chelating calcium. It is this controlled anticoagulation that has been found important in chemical coagulation tests such as Prothrombin Time (PT), Thrombin Time (TT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), and Fibrinogen.

Features of Sodium Citrate Blood Collection Tubes

Anticoagulant Composition

Sodium citrate in a concentration of 3.2% functions as the primary anticoagulant, binding calcium ions and preventing clot formation. This anticoagulant composition is essential for the test that measures clotting ability.

Accurate Blood-to-Anticoagulant Ratio

This mixture-to-volume ratio of sodium citrate to blood is ideal for accurate results, thereby increasing the chances of less error and ensuring the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of blood sample collection.

Non-toxic and Safe for Storage

It is also safe from any form of toxicity and is safe to store. The concentrations of sodium citrate used require low toxicity and are, therefore, safe for long-term storage. Collection tubes offer various features that ensure the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of blood sample collection.

Double-Deck Design

There are some tubes that have a double-layer structure that reduces dead volume, enhances the sample blending, and leads to an excellent platelet and WF analysis.

Durable Materials

These tubes usually come in PET or glass that is able to withstand general use as well as their resistance to chemicals that may contaminate samples.    These tubes are typically made from PET or glass, materials chosen for their durability and chemical compatibility, ensuring that samples remain uncontaminated.

OEM Customization

Additional logos and designs are possible with OEM, especially for laboratories that require the company’s unique branding and emblem to provide a more polished look to the medical establishments.

Main Uses of Sodium Citrate Blood Collection Tubes

Coagulation Tests: All the listed biochemical parameters PT, TT, aPTT, and fibrinogen are performed using sodium citrate tubes because of their anticoagulant effect.

Platelet Function Testing: These tubes are especially suitable for platelet function testing and vWF assays due to the possible choice of double deck design.

Diagnostic Support for Blood Disorders: For such conditions as hemophilia, deep vein thrombosis, and liver disorders the sodium citrate tubes are used in determining clotting times.

Heparin Therapy Monitoring: In cases of patients on anticoagulant therapy those tubes can help to evaluate the effectiveness of such medications as heparin and contribute to the estimation of treatment outcomes.

Specific Uses of Sodium Citrate Blood Collection Tubes

Sodium citrate blood collection tubes cannot be done in different healthcare settings particularly where coagulation tests and platelet function are involved. Here is a brief closer look at a few of the more specific use cases.

PT, TT, aPTT and Fibrinogen

These tests are definitive when it comes to determining blood clotting ability and identification of patients with bleeding disorders. Sodium citrate is often used in such tests because it acts as an anticoagulant that precludes the clotting of a sample as it is being collected and analyzed.

Diagnostic Support for Blood Disorders

Such errors that sodium citrate tubes provide are extremely helpful in disease diagnosis including hemophilia and Deep Vein Thrombosis. Imaging methods and time parameters proving coagulation processing time are valuable for the description of the patient’s hemostasis function to make further therapeutic interventions.

Platelet Function and von Willebrand Testing

The feature of two-tier structures in some of the sodium citrate tubes is very useful to perform platelet function tests and WF assays. These tests are very useful in evaluating disorders associated with platelet coagulation and adhesion.

Heparin Therapy Monitoring

Surveillance of response to anticoagulants such as heparin is significant in specifically overseeing patient care of the at-risk population for thromboembolic events. Sodium citrate tubes are a valid medium to make these measurements which assists the clinicians in changing dosage rates.

Why Choose Vesemed for Your Blood Collection Tubes?

With a commitment to quality and compliance, Vesemed stands out as a trusted provider of laboratory and medical supplies, including blood collection tubes designed to meet the diverse needs of healthcare facilities.

Comprehensive Selection of Tubes

Vesemed offers a broad range of blood collection tubes, including PT tubes for coagulation, serum separator tubes, and other specialized options to suit various laboratory requirements.

Accurate Labeling and Color Coding

Our tubes are color-coded and clearly labeled, ensuring easy identification for each test type, and meeting industry standards for test sample identification.

Regulatory Compliance

Vesemed blood collection tubes comply with healthcare regulations and quality standards, providing assurance that your samples are handled with the utmost accuracy and reliability.

Durable and Reliable Materials

Constructed from PET and glass, Vesemed tubes are both durable and safe for a range of applications, providing peace of mind regarding sample integrity and safety.

Some Technical Characteristics of Sodium Citrate Tubes

When handling sodium citrate blood collection tubes, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure optimal results:

•          Mixing: Following sample collection turn the tube backward several times to facilitate the mixing of the blood with the ACTIN green. This process is very essential when anticipating clotting in the sample prior to analysis.

•          Proper Filling: The correct ratio of 1:9 of anticoagulant to blood is provided by filling the tube up to the indicated line. It means that if certain levels are underfilled or overfilled, it will lead to the production of wrong test results.

•          Storage and Handling: Sodium citrate tubes must be placed horizontally on a shelf at room temperature away from direct sunlight so as to allow the anticoagulant to retain its value.

Conclusion:

Sodium citrate blood collection tubes are vital components in the world of diagnostic testing, offering precise and reliable results in coagulation studies. With Vesemed, you receive high-quality, compliant tubes tailored to the specific needs of modern laboratories, along with a range of options to support effective healthcare. Explore Vesemed collection today and ensure your lab is equipped with the best in blood collection technology.