Blood Collection Tubes

Select tubes based on anticoagulant/additive (e.g., EDTA for hematology, citrate for coagulation, heparin for chemistry), required volume, closure type (vacuum vs. non-vacuum), and whether you need sterile, pediatric, or microcollection formats

Look for tubes made from medical-grade glass or polypropylene with secure caps to prevent leakage, clearly labeled additive indicators, and validated additive concentrations; color-coded caps and lot-specific quality control documentation help ensure correct handling and traceability

Lower-cost or generic tubes are available and can be appropriate for routine, non-critical testing if they meet relevant quality standards (ISO, CE, or local regulations) and provide additive documentation; for specialized assays, use tubes specified by the test manufacturer

Store tubes at manufacturer-recommended temperature and humidity, avoid freezing, keep in original packaging until use to maintain sterility, and inspect for cracks, expired lot numbers, or compromised seals prior to collection

Do not reuse tubes; single-use only. Dispose of used tubes as regulated medical waste per local biohazard and sharps regulations, typically in designated puncture-resistant biohazard containers

Using the correct tube size ensures proper blood-to-anticoagulant ratio; underfilling can alter results (e.g., coagulation tests), while overfilling may compromise sample safety or downstream processing—follow test and tube manufacturer guidelines for minimum and maximum fill volumes

Request product specifications, lot-specific certificates of analysis, sterility and endotoxin statements if applicable, and evidence of conformity to relevant standards (ISO, CE, or local regulatory approvals) to confirm suitability for clinical or research workflows