blodprøvetagningsrør

A blodprøvetagningsrør, often referred to as a blood sampling tube or phlebotomy tube, is a sterile, glass or plastic container designed to collect blood for diagnostic testing. The tube typically contains a cap and a small inlet or needle guard. It may be fitted with a mixing cap for anticoagulant tubes to facilitate gentle agitation and prevent clotting. Each tube is labeled with a barcode or printed code, adherence to international standards such as ISO 15189 or national guidelines ensures traceability and reduces error.

The most common tube designs correspond to different laboratory tests and include a clear range of anticoagulants. For example, tubes with sodium citrate are used for coagulation studies, tubes with EDTA for hematology panels, thistle-tipped tubes with heparin for chemistry assays, and plain tubes for serum separation. Additionally, serum separator tubes contain a clot activator and a gel that forms a barrier when centrifuged, preventing cross‑contamination of serum. Special tubes may contain additives for microbiology cultures or for infectious disease screening.

The choice of tube affects pre‑analytical variables; for instance, improper mixing of anticoagulant tubes can lead to false results. After collection, tubes must be sealed, inverted a specified number of times, and transported to the laboratory under controlled temperature conditions. Once processed, residual blood is disposed of following biohazard protocols to prevent contamination and disease transmission.

Regulatory frameworks in many countries require that blood sampling tubes be constructed from medical‑grade materials, comply with sterility standards, and list the anticoagulant type and concentration. Training phlebotomists in tube handling, labeling, and storage is essential to maintain the integrity of patient specimens and the validity of laboratory results.