Verified | Updated 2024/2025
A condition in which the concentration of blood cells is increased in proportion to
the plasma.
Hemoconcentration
The destruction of dissolution of red blood cells, with subsequent release of
hemoglobin.
Hemolysis
The liquid portion of whole blood that contains active clotting agents.
Plasma
The liquid portion of the whole blood that remains after the blood has clotted.
Serum
A material that appears to be solid until subjected to a disturbance, such as
centrifugation, whereupon it becomes a liquid.
Thixotropic Gel
Venipuncture Equipment
double pointed safety needles, evacuated stopper tubes, needle holder, sharps
container, syringes, winged infusion sets ( butterfly needles ), tourniquet, marking pen,
isopropyl alcohol swabs, gauze pads, bandages, gloves.
Most common way to locate a vein before blood is drawn
Tourniquets and palpation
A plastic or glass sealed vacuum tube used to collect a blood specimen obtained
through venipuncture.
Evacuated Collection Tubes/ Vacutainer
Tube Additives
All tubes except the red-topped one contain an additive. Anticoagulants are added to
prevent blood from clotting, additive may be a powder or liquid visible in the tube or
liquid sprayed inside the tube and allowed to dry.
ADDITIVE AND FUNCTION-->SPS prevents blood from clotting and stabilizes
bacterial growth
LABORATORY USE--> Blood and body fluid cultures
5ml <--OPTIMUM VOL
N/A<--MINIMUM volume
Yellow Tube
ADDITIVE AND FUNCTION--> None
LABORATORY USE--> Serum tests; chemistry studies, blood bank, serology.
10ml<-- MINIMUM VOLUME
N/A<--OPT volume
Red Tube
ADDITIVE AND FUNCTION--> None, but contains silica particles to enhance clot
formation
LABORATORY USE--> Serum test
10ml<--OPTIMUM VOLUME
N/A<--MINIMUM volume