Blood Collection Tubes: Features and Usage
To ensure accurate and reliable results in laboratory analyses, sample collection, storage, and transport must be carried out properly. The guide below outlines the steps for using blood collection tubes and the key points to keep in mind.
R
Blood Collection Tubes with Red Caps
Fill the tube three-quarters full with blood; do not shake it to prevent hemolysis, and let it stand at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.
Centrifuge the tubes for 15 minutes at 2500 rpm, and transfer the serum samples to 1.5 mL microtubes using a pipette.
If a centrifuge is not available, serum will separate from the samples after 3–4 hours at room temperature.
When transferring serum samples to microtubes, fill the tube to two-thirds capacity.
It is recommended that you ship serum samples in a foam box containing ice packs.
For long-term storage, serum samples should be stored at -20°C, and repeated freezing and thawing should be avoided.
Y
Blood Collection Tubes with Yellow Caps (With Gel)
Fill the tube three-quarters full with blood; do not shake it to prevent hemolysis, and let it stand at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.
Centrifuge the tubes for 15 minutes at 2500 rpm, and transfer the serum samples to 1.5 mL microtubes using a pipette.
In the centrifuged tubes, the separator gel will form a barrier between the blood and the serum.
When transferring the serum samples to microtubes, fill the tube to two-thirds capacity.
It is recommended that you ship the serum samples in a foam box containing an ice pack.
For long-term storage, serum samples should be stored at -20°C, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
P
Blood Collection Tubes with Purple Caps (EDTA)
Fill the tube three-quarters full with blood; do not swirl, but gently invert it 4–5 times.
Store at 2–8°C; prevent freezing during storage and shipping.
It is recommended that you ship the samples in the same tube inside a foam box containing an ice pack.
If plasma is required, centrifuge the tubes for 15 minutes at 2500 rpm.
Transfer the plasma samples to 1.5 mL microtubes using a pipette.
For long-term storage, plasma samples should be stored at -20°C, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
G
Blood Collection Tubes with Green Caps (Lithium Heparin)
It is generally used to detect interferon gamma in cattle.
Fill the tube three-quarters full with blood, ensuring a volume of at least 6 mL.
Do not shake; instead, gently invert the tube 4–5 times.
The tubes must be stored at room temperature. The recommended temperature range is 18–25°C.
If samples need to be shipped, they must be delivered to the laboratory within 12 hours of blood collection.
During shipping, room temperature must be maintained, and care must be taken not to shake the tubes vigorously.
Submission of Abortion Specimens
Information regarding all submitted samples must be provided in writing to the laboratory.
The ear tag number, animal owner, date the sample was collected, and date of abortion must be included.
The vaccines administered to the animals and the dates of these vaccinations must be specified.
This information must be placed in a plastic folder and kept alongside the sample in a manner that prevents contamination by pathogenic material.
If the initial test result is negative but the problem persists, samples must be submitted from the relevant animals in the same herd within 21 days following the date of abortion.
