The old adage, “prevention is better than cure” rings true when it comes to medical procedures.
One of the most important aspects of any medical procedure is proper preparation and collection of specimens, such as blood samples.
Blood collection tubes with a special additive known as SPS have become increasingly popular for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
This article will provide an overview of what SPS is, components included in blood collection tubes with SPS, benefits and types of these tubes, preparation guidelines for use, and potential challenges associated with them.
Key Takeaways
- SPS is an additive used in blood collection tubes to stabilize and preserve the sample.
- Blood collection tubes with SPS prevent clot formation and reduce the risk of hemolysis, ensuring accurate laboratory testing results.
- SPS tubes are available in different types, such as serum tubes and EDTA tubes, for specific testing purposes.
- Proper labeling and handling of these tubes are crucial for accurate results.
What Is SPS
SPS is an additive used in blood collection tubes to stabilize and preserve the sample. It is a buffered saline solution composed of sodium, potassium, and magnesium phosphate salts, which helps ensure accuracy.
The addition of SPS increases the pH of the sample, increasing its stability for transport or storage. Blood samples stored with SPS can remain stable for weeks at temperatures as low as -20°C.
The addition of SPS also helps prevent serum separation from clot formation when specimens are frozen or refrigerated. Furthermore, it reduces microbial contamination during transportation and ensures that results are not affected by changes in temperature or humidity levels.
Components of Blood Collection Tubes With SPS
The components of these tubes typically include a special preservative solution. Blood collection tubes with SPS come in various colors and sizes, each designed to contain an appropriate anticoagulant for the desired test being conducted:
- Tube Colors:
- Red: Contains the anticoagulant Sodium Citrate (3.2%)
- Lavender: Contains the anticoagulant Potassium Oxalate (1.8%) and Sodium Fluoride (0.109%)
- Anticoagulant Types:
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – Prevents clotting by chelating calcium ions inside red blood cells
- Heparin – Inhibits thrombin from forming clots
These tubes are used in clinical settings for collecting blood specimens from patients for medical testing and diagnosis purposes.
Benefits of Using Blood Collection Tubes With SPS
Using special preservative solution (SPS) blood collection tubes provides numerous benefits in clinical settings.
The anticoagulant effects of SPS prevent the formation of clots and reduce the risk of hemolysis, enabling more accurate laboratory testing results.
Furthermore, these tubes allow for easy patient identification due to their pre-labeled design, eliminating the need for manual data entry or additional labeling processes during sample collection.
Additionally, most SPS tubes contain a rubber stopper that is designed to help seal the tube after it has been filled with blood and ensure proper sample transport without leakage.
Types of Blood Collection Tubes With SPS
Special preservative solution (SPS) blood collection tubes are available in a variety of types for use in clinical settings. These include:
- Serum Tubes: Contains a clot activator and serum separator gel that allow for the separation of serum after centrifugation.
- Storage Requirements: Stored at room temperature or refrigerated, depending on the type used.
- Handling Precautions: Must be inverted several times to mix with the additive before and after collection.
- EDTA Tubes: Contain an anticoagulant that prevents clotting of the sample.
- Storage Requirements: Refrigerate immediately or store at room temperature for up to 48 hours prior to processing.
- Handling Precautions: Invert several times before and after collection to ensure complete mixing with anticoagulants.
Each tube must be labeled properly and handled appropriately according to manufacturer instructions for accurate results.
Preparation Guidelines for Using Blood Collection Tubes With SPS
Prior to use, it is essential to adhere to preparation guidelines for SPS-containing blood collection tubes.
The first step is to ensure the integrity of the tube by checking that the stopper is in place and not cracked or damaged.
Next, it should be confirmed that the proper anticoagulant has been added.
Additionally, all safety protocols should be followed during sample collection and storage of samples prior to testing.
The anticoagulant effects must also be taken into consideration when determining specimen volumes and stability requirements for transport and storage.
To ensure patient safety, any unused portions of a tube must be discarded per institutional guidelines.
Following these steps can help guarantee accurate results when using SPS-containing blood collection tubes.
Potential Challenges of Using Blood Collection Tubes With SPS
Careful consideration must be taken when utilizing tubes containing SPS due to potential challenges that may arise:
- Mixing Errors: If the anticoagulant and serum separator are not mixed correctly, it can cause inaccurate test results.
- Contamination Risks: Improperly capped tubes or exposure to other substances can lead to contamination of the sample.
Taking these risks into account, it is important for healthcare professionals to take measures such as confirming proper labeling, sealing samples securely, double checking mix ratios, and ensuring temperature stability in order to guarantee accurate results with blood collection tubes containing SPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Blood Collection Tubes With SPS Be Replaced?
The use of alternatives to blood collection tubes with SPS, such as EDTA or heparin tubes, may offer benefits and drawbacks depending on the intended purpose. Replacing them regularly is important because these tubes can become contaminated over time, leading to inaccurate results.
Are There Any Special Safety Considerations When Using Blood Collection Tubes With SPS?
When using blood collection tubes with SPS, proper disposal and transport methods must be followed to ensure safety. It is important to adhere to the manufacturer's instructions for disposal and transport of the tubes, as failure to do so may result in contamination or other hazardous materials being released.
What Is the Shelf Life of Blood Collection Tubes With SPS?
Proper storage of blood collection tubes with SPS is essential to avoid contamination risks. Shelf life varies depending on the conditions in which they are stored, but typically ranges from 1-2 years.
Can Blood Collection Tubes With SPS Be Used With Any Type of Blood Sample?
Blood collection tubes with SPS can be used with any type of blood sample, but testing accuracy and sterile techniques must be observed for optimal results. Adherence to these protocols is necessary to ensure reliable test results.
How Much Does It Cost to Purchase Blood Collection Tubes With SPS?
The cost of purchasing blood collection tubes with SPS varies depending on the specific features and size required. This should include consideration of any storage requirements or transport guidelines needed for the sample. Prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
Conclusion
Blood collection tubes with SPS are an important tool in the medical field, allowing for the easy and safe collection of blood samples. Studies have shown that when using these tubes, sample accuracy is improved by up to 25%. This improvement helps ensure proper diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Blood collection tubes with SPS offer a number of advantages, including reduced contamination risk and improved sample quality. However, it is important to follow adequate preparation guidelines when using these tubes to avoid potential challenges.
With their numerous benefits, blood collection tubes with SPS are an invaluable asset for any healthcare facility.
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