Vacutainer

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Vacutainer[edit | edit source]

Vacutainer_blood_bottles

A Vacutainer is a brand name for a type of blood collection tube used in medical laboratories. It is a sterile, vacuum-sealed tube that is used to collect and store blood samples for various diagnostic tests. The Vacutainer system revolutionized the process of blood collection, making it safer, more efficient, and less time-consuming.

History[edit | edit source]

The Vacutainer system was first introduced in the 1940s by Joseph Kleiner and Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD). Prior to the invention of the Vacutainer, blood collection was a complex and time-consuming process that required multiple steps and equipment. The Vacutainer simplified the process by combining the collection tube, needle, and vacuum system into a single unit.

Design and Function[edit | edit source]

A Vacutainer consists of a plastic or glass tube with a rubber stopper at one end. The stopper is punctured by a needle during blood collection. The tube is coated with an anticoagulant or clot activator, depending on the type of test to be performed. The vacuum inside the tube helps draw the blood into the tube without the need for additional suction.

The Vacutainer system is designed to ensure the safety and integrity of the collected blood sample. The vacuum inside the tube prevents air from entering, reducing the risk of contamination. The rubber stopper creates a tight seal, preventing leakage of the blood. The anticoagulant or clot activator helps preserve the quality of the blood sample for accurate testing.

Usage[edit | edit source]

Vacutainers are widely used in medical laboratories for various diagnostic tests, including blood cell counts, blood chemistry analysis, and blood culture. The choice of Vacutainer tube depends on the specific test requirements. Different colored stoppers indicate the type of additive or anticoagulant present in the tube.

During blood collection, a healthcare professional inserts a needle into a vein, typically in the arm, and attaches the Vacutainer tube to the other end of the needle. As the blood flows into the tube, the vacuum inside helps draw the appropriate amount of blood. Once the required amount is collected, the tube is detached from the needle, and the needle is safely disposed of.

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Vacutainer Resources
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Vacutainer Resources
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