Vacutainer

A Vacutainer is a blood collection tube used in phlebotomy to collect blood samples for laboratory testing. The Vacutainer system is a closed system that allows for the safe and efficient collection of blood samples. It was invented by Joseph Kleiner in 1947 and is manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company.

Design and Function

The Vacutainer system consists of a double-ended needle, a plastic holder, and a series of vacuum-sealed tubes. Each tube is designed to draw a predetermined volume of blood by vacuum pressure. The tubes are color-coded based on the type of additive they contain, which is used to stabilize and preserve the blood sample for specific types of analysis.

Components

• Needle: The needle is typically a double-ended needle, with one end inserted into the patient's vein and the other end piercing the rubber stopper of the Vacutainer tube.
• Holder: The holder is a plastic device that secures the needle and allows for the easy insertion and removal of the Vacutainer tubes.
• Tubes: The tubes are made of glass or plastic and are vacuum-sealed to draw blood into the tube. They come in various sizes and contain different additives.

Additives

Vacutainer tubes may contain different additives depending on the type of test to be performed. Common additives include:

• EDTA: Used for complete blood counts (CBC) and other hematological tests.
• Sodium citrate: Used for coagulation studies.
• Heparin: Used for plasma chemistry tests.
• Serum separator gel: Used to separate serum from blood cells for chemistry tests.

Usage

The Vacutainer system is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories for the collection of blood samples. The procedure for using a Vacutainer involves the following steps: 1. Assemble the needle and holder. 2. Insert the needle into the patient's vein. 3. Attach the Vacutainer tube to the holder, allowing the vacuum to draw blood into the tube. 4. Once the desired amount of blood is collected, remove the tube and apply pressure to the puncture site. 5. Label the tube with the patient's information and send it to the laboratory for analysis.

Advantages

The Vacutainer system offers several advantages over traditional blood collection methods:

• Safety: The closed system reduces the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Efficiency: The vacuum system allows for quick and consistent blood collection.
• Accuracy: The use of pre-measured vacuum tubes ensures accurate sample volumes.

History

The Vacutainer was developed by Joseph Kleiner in 1947 and was later acquired by Becton, Dickinson and Company. It revolutionized the field of phlebotomy by providing a safer and more efficient method for blood collection.

Also see

• Phlebotomy
• Blood test
• Becton, Dickinson and Company
• Blood collection