The BD Vacutainer tube is an important tool when collecting blood samples in any lab that performs tests or diagnoses. In the following, let us take a look at the role of BD Vacutainer tubes in present day healthcare and acts that they serve and the benefits that they offer to the various laboratories. You will discover where and how to purchase best-in-class Vacutainer tubes and other laboratory supplies from a curated clinical supply company.
What Is a BD Vacutainer Tube?
BD Vacutainer tubes are sterile, vacuum sealed tubes for blood collection in laboratories. Vacutainer is a brand of blood collection tubes and related devices manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), a global leader in medical technology. Each tube is color coded to let medical staff know what additive is inside and what type of test the blood is for which helps them gather the right sample. According to Doke (2023), the BD Vacutainer system consists of specialized blood collection tubes with specific additives or anticoagulants, each featuring a color-coded cap that identifies its purpose and simplifies specimen preparation during collection.
Key Functions and Uses
1. Blood Collection for Laboratory Testing
The most common use of a BD Vacutainer tube is in venipuncture to collect blood for routine and specialized testing. Tubes may contain additives such as anticoagulants (e.g., EDTA, heparin) or clot activators, depending on the type of analysis required.
2. Plasma and Serum Separation
Certain Vacutainer tubes are used specifically for separating plasma or serum from blood samples. These are often used in chemistry panels, hormone assays, and serological testing.
3. Microbiological and Molecular Testing
BD Vacutainer tubes designed with specific preservatives are essential for tests involving DNA, RNA, or microbial cultures. This helps preserve the sample integrity for accurate results.
4. Transport and Storage
The vacuum-sealed design and high-quality materials of BD Vacutainer tubes allow for safe transport and storage, reducing the risk of contamination or degradation during transit to the laboratory.
Why BD Vacutainer Tubes Are Preferred in Clinical Settings
BD Vacutainer tubes have been trusted by laboratory professionals for years. Here are a few reasons why they are popular:
- Consistency: Because each weighs the same and is color-coded, workflow is more efficient and the potential for mistakes minimized.
- Reliability: These tubes are constructed with shatter-resistant and anti-thermal shock glass, ensuring they can handle both thermal and stress shocks. Contact us to learn the differences between model-specific and universal tubes.
- Product Details: These tubes are also available for use on automated analyser and other clinical laboratory equipment.
Importance in Clinical Laboratory Operations
In the clinical setting, the quality of specimens submitted for testing has a direct impact on the accuracy of diagnosis. BD Vacutainer tubes reduce the likelihood of hemolysis and contamination, the two most common sources of erroneous results. As a result, they are integral to the entire category of laboratory supplies, clinical laboratory products, and clinical laboratory equipment necessary for healthy patients.
These tubes are essential for use in conjunction with other premium laboratory supplies and tools to help maintain regulatory or industry standards and best practices for biospecimen management.
Where to Buy BD Vacutainer Tubes and Other Laboratory Supplies
It is important to find a trustworthy clinical supply company you can purchase Vacutainer tubes and other laboratory supplies online from. At AOSS Medical Supply, you can order the BD Vacutainer which is part of their extensive line of clinical laboratory supplies.
Explore their dedicated plasma supplies category here: Plasma Supplies at AOSS Medical Supply.
Their dedication to quality and service has made them a valued partner to thousands of hospitals, clinics, and laboratories in the USA, helping them save time by offering access to an unrivaled product selection of the best brands and supplying them fast, with unparalleled focus and commitment.
Tips for Proper Use of BD Vacutainer Tubes
- Check Expiry Dates: Always verify the expiration date before use.
- Use Correct Tube Type: Match the tube additive with the test being ordered.
- Follow Order of Draw: Use the correct sequence to prevent cross-contamination.
- Store Properly: Keep tubes at recommended temperatures and avoid direct sunlight.
- Dispose Responsibly: Follow biohazard disposal guidelines after use.
Conclusion
BD Vacutainer tubes are for diagnostic use. From the blood draw on through testing, its accuracy of design and range of types is crucial to nurses and doctors alike. They are one of the cornerstones of clinical diagnostics along with other clinical laboratory supplies.
When you order this specimen collection tube from a trusted clinical supply company such as AOSS Medical Supply, you can trust that they play a critical role in the safe, easy, and efficient care of your patients. Whether you are starting a new lab or looking to replenish your inventory, buying lab supplies online is a reliable and cost-effective way to get what you need.
FAQs
- Is the BD Vacutainer tube usable for any kind of blood test? No. Colors should be examined using the right tubes according to the substances in each sample. Before buying a tube, know what components are needed in the testing.
- Can the same BD Vacutainer tube be used again? No. After being used only once, they should be thrown away to maintain cleanliness and avoid disease.
- In what ways are plasma and serum tubes different from one another? Blood inside plasma tubes doesn't thicken because of anticoagulants, yet serum tubes are specially designed for the blood to clot and then examine the liquid found after the coagulation process.
- How can I get genuine BD Vacutainer tubes from an online supplier? You can obtain these from reputable suppliers such as AOSS Medical Supply which sells different types of laboratory and clinical items.
- Are Vacutainer tubes approved for use in children? Yes. There are special tubes designed for pediatrics that decrease the force used to collect blood which means less blood is taken.