Each type of test tube is designed with specific components to suit particular groups of tests. When collecting multiple samples during a single venipuncture, the carryover of additives from one tube to another can affect certain test results.

Professional organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) have issued guidelines regarding the order of draw for blood collection tubes:

International guidelines establish a specific order of draw to minimize the risk of additives from one tube affecting subsequent samples.

However, recent studies indicate that the risk of cross-contamination depends not only on the order of draw but also on the specific blood collection system employed.

Potential mechanisms leading to cross-contamination during sample collection include:

• Transfer of sample material between tubes.
• Backflow of blood within the collection system.
• Contamination from needle components when using a syringe.

These factors demonstrate that ensuring sample quality relies not only on the technique of healthcare personnel but also on the design and type of collection system used.

With technological advancements, closed blood collection systems utilizing evacuated tubes have become increasingly common in laboratory practice, as they minimize intermediate steps during the sampling process.

However, studies have documented the risk of additive carryover during collection. Notably, research by Cornes et al. indicates that EDTA contamination can be associated with pseudohyperkalemia and falsely low calcium and magnesium levels. In a multicenter study, 4.1% of hyperkalemia cases were attributed to EDTA carryover. Research by Fukugawa et al. also noted alterations in certain coagulation parameters when sodium citrate tubes were collected after serum tubes containing clot activators.

This evidence suggests that controlling carryover depends not only on the order of draw but also on the collection system and technique employed. Therefore, using an appropriate blood collection system, combined with adherence to standardized procedures, remains crucial for ensuring sample quality during the pre-analytical phase.

4. WEMBLEY MEDICAL provides solutions to help standardize the sample collection process. 

Although the significance of the blood draw order may vary depending on the specific collection system, adherence to standard sample collection procedures remains crucial for ensuring the consistency, safety, and reliability of test results.

Consequently, selecting the appropriate blood collection system, utilizing standardized equipment, and employing correct techniques are vital factors in controlling the pre-analytical phase. Addressing this practical need, WEMBLEY MEDICAL has developed the VATRACY vacuum blood collection tube system; offering a wide range of options tailored to various testing purposes; the system helps standardize the sample collection process.

The VATRACY vacuum blood collection tube system offers diverse options suited to specific testing requirements including biochemistry, immunology, coagulation, hematology, blood typing, and glucose/lactate testing as well as needs for additive-free blood collection.

Production is grounded in rigorous quality management systems implemented by WEMBLEY MEDICAL, such as ISO 13485:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

Furthermore, the product holds key international certifications including CE and CFS (issued in the UK, Spain, and Vietnam) confirming the technical capability and regulatory compliance required for widespread distribution to leading hospitals nationwide. This underscores WEMBLEY MEDICAL’s serious commitment and dedication to providing internationally standardized products within the domestic market.

Learn more about VATRACY vacuum blood collection tubes and URI tubes, or contact WEMBLEY MEDICAL for advice on solutions tailored to your facility's needs.

Hotline: 0963 797 072 - Email: sales@wembleymed.com.vn