Heparin lithium tubes are a type of blood collection tube used for collecting and storing blood samples for laboratory analysis. They are specifically designed to prevent coagulation, or the clotting of blood, which can interfere with the accuracy of laboratory results. Heparin lithium is an anticoagulant added to the tube to prevent coagulation.
Heparin lithium tubes are commonly used in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.
They are useful for various laboratory tests, including blood chemistry, electrolyte, and liver function tests.
In this post, we will explore the different types of heparin tubes available and how to prepare and use them for blood sampling and storage properly. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of lithium heparin tubes and consider alternative tubes that can be used for these purposes.
Depending on the additives, heparin tubes are divided into lithium heparin and sodium heparin.
Lithium heparin and sodium heparin as the same role of blood in vitro anticoagulation; the appearance is almost the same, white amorphous powder, no taste, can be dissolved in water also easier to absorb moisture, so what is the difference between them?
(1) Sodium heparin anticoagulant should not be used for whole blood cell analysis, while lithium heparin anticoagulant can be used for whole blood cell analysis within 1 hour;
(2) Binding ion is not the same.
Although lithium heparin and sodium heparin are both anticoagulant solutions and are also a form of heparin-binding, the effective ion binding is different, which also results in the appearance of the same lithium heparin and sodium heparin in the texture has the essence of the difference, and their dissociation degree is also different.
(3) The dose added to the blood collection tube is different.
Lithium heparin and sodium heparin are used in vacuum blood collection tubes, and the dose of lithium heparin in the industry standard ranges from 9.4 IU to 28 IU per milliliter. In comparison, sodium heparin is 12 IU to 30 IU per milliliter of blood. 15 IU-20 IU of lithium and sodium heparin in a milliliter of blood in a venous vacuum blood collection tube.
(4) For the same WBC, the results are different.
It is clear from the experiment that lithium heparin and sodium heparin are different in the final result of WBC on the same specimen. Sodium heparin is more regular; it will slowly increase the WBC as time becomes longer and then slowly decrease after reaching 2 hours, and PLT gradually decreases. In contrast, the WBC and PLT values of lithium heparin assay do not decrease much, are relatively slow and stable. To some extent, the results obtained with lithium heparin are almost the same as those obtained with EDTA-K2 dipotassium.
Heparin is the best anticoagulant in determining blood chemistry; heparin salts, in addition to sodium, potassium, and ammonium salts, to note that the white blood cell count and platelet agglutination function test is not appropriate use heparin as an anticoagulant test item.
Proper preparation and use of lithium heparin tubes are essential for ensuring the accuracy of laboratory results. Here are some steps to follow when preparing and using lithium heparin tubes:
1. Identify the appropriate type of lithium heparin tube based on the laboratory test's specific needs.
2. Follow proper infection control procedures, including washing your hands and wearing gloves, to prevent contamination of the blood sample.
3. Label the tube with the patient's name, date, and time of collection to ensure proper sample identification.
4. Collect the blood sample according to the specific instructions provided by the laboratory or healthcare provider.
5. Invert the tube gently several times to mix the blood and anticoagulant. Do not shake the tube, as this can affect the accuracy of the results.
6. Store the tube according to the specific instructions provided by the laboratory or healthcare provider.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the blood sample is collected and stored properly, minimizing the risk of coagulation and other issues that could affect the accuracy of the laboratory results.
Heparin lithium tubes have several advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding whether to use them for blood sampling and storage.
Heparin lithium tubes are effective at preventing coagulation, which can interfere with the accuracy of laboratory results.
They are easy to use and require minimal preparation, making them convenient for blood sampling and storage.
Heparin lithium tubes are widely available and can be purchased from various suppliers.
Some laboratory tests may not be suitable for heparin lithium tubes, as the anticoagulant can interfere with certain test results.
Heparin lithium tubes may not be suitable for long-term storage of blood samples, as the anticoagulant can break down over time.
They may be more expensive than other types of blood collection tubes.
Overall, the decision to use heparin lithium tubes for blood sampling and storage should be based on the specific needs of the laboratory test being performed and the availability of alternative tubes. Your healthcare provider or laboratory staff can help you determine the best choice for your needs.
Several containing anticoagulant tubes can be used for blood sampling and storage, each with its own specific uses and characteristics. Some containing anticoagulant tubes include:
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes are used to collect blood samples for hematology tests, which analyze the cells in the blood. EDTA is an anticoagulant that prevents coagulation by binding to the calcium ions in the blood and is typically used in conjunction with a separator gel to separate the blood cells from the plasma.
Sodium citrate tubes are used to collect blood samples for coagulation tests, which analyze the clotting process in the blood. Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant that prevents coagulation by binding to the calcium ions in the blood and is typically used in conjunction with a separator gel to separate the blood cells from the plasma.
Sodium fluoride is a weak anticoagulant, has good prevention of blood glucose degradation, and is an excellent preservative for blood glucose testing; the use of attention should be slowly reversed and mixed. It is generally used for a blood glucose test and cannot be used for urea determination by the urease method nor for detecting alkaline phosphatase and amylase.
It is important to choose the appropriate type of tube based on the laboratory test's specific needs. Your healthcare provider or laboratory staff can help determine the appropriate tube type.
In conclusion, lithium heparin tubes are a popular choice for collecting and storing blood samples for laboratory analysis due to their effectiveness in preventing coagulation. However, they may only be suitable for some types of laboratory tests and may not be the best choice for long-term storage of blood samples. By considering the specific needs of the laboratory test and the characteristics of the different types of tubes available, you can help to ensure that the blood sample is collected and stored properly, minimizing the risk of coagulation and other issues that could affect the accuracy of the laboratory results.
If you are looking for reliable Heparin Lithium Tubes, I recommend you choose Yongkang Medical Device. CE and ISO approved.
