Question about drawing labs....

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I will be starting to draw blood now that i have finished the phlebotomy classes and was wondering if anyone had a link that tells what tube to use for what tests being drawn. I know some of the nurses i have worked with have them but the lab i was at had NOTHING! I don't want to draw someone's blood and end up using the wrong tube! Anyone with any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

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Our agency has lab slips from the various labs in the area that have all the different tests listed . Usually these slips will say next to the test or at the top of the column which tube you need to use. If the test is not on the lab slip I will call one of the local hospital labs and ask...I've never had a problem getting information that way.

Some basics (but double check your lab slip too):

hematolgy related - lavender top

PT/INR - blue top

troughs for antibiotics - red top

majority of labs (i.e. ACP, BMP etc) - gold or SST top

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The only way I eventually learned this was to mess up and take the wrong tube in at least 20 times... Now I kinda know it second nature but it sure was a challenge in the begining

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

Our agency, too, has forms from the 2-3 lab companies we use, each describing the lab and what tubes will be needed for each, ( seems like each lab facility has different requirements)...as well as how far to fill them. Each nurse has this "lab book" in their car as well, in case they forget to look it up before leaving the agency or if they see a patient for a lab draw before going in to the agancy first. Very handy. The lab notebook also has the lab forms to fill out for each lab company. :)

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