Lithium Heparin Test Tube 50 Pieces Blue Cap

The Lithium Heparin Test Tube with Blue Cap is a fundamental device in laboratory diagnostics, specifically designed to guarantee the reliable collection, storage and analysis of blood samples. Each pack contains 50 pieces, each marked with the characteristic blue cap which facilitates visual identification and quick selection within the collection sets. These tubes are pre-filled with lithium heparin, an anticoagulant commonly used to prevent blood clotting and enable clinical biochemistry, clinical chemistry and other tests requiring plasma. Ideal for both hospital and outpatient use, the shape of the tubes ensures an airtight seal, reducing the risk of loss or contamination. Ease of use and compatibility with most laboratory instruments increase efficiency throughout the collection and analysis process.

Thanks to the presence of lithium heparin, the tube promotes the fast and clean separation of the plasma, an essential element for in-depth examinations. The transparent body allows visual inspection of the sample, while the blue cap ensures further protection during transport and storage. The production standard guarantees the sterility of each single unit, offering safety to both the operator and the patient, and allowing the conservation of the most sensitive blood parameters during the pre-analytical period. The capacity of the tube is designed to collect the volume of blood necessary for the most requested biochemical analyses, supporting optimal sample management even in laboratories that handle a high number of daily tests.

The test tubes are produced with high quality materials, resistant to accidental breakage, ensuring maximum safety during all handling phases. The use of disposable products like this tube significantly reduces the risks of cross-contamination between different samples, an essential element for traceability and diagnostic reliability. In summary, the Blue Cap Lithium Heparin Test Tube represents an indispensable tool for healthcare personnel engaged in advanced clinical diagnostic activities.

Therapeutic Indications

The Lithium Heparin tubes with blue cap are specifically indicated for the collection of blood intended for clinical biochemistry tests on plasma. The anticoagulant lithium heparin prevents immediate coagulation of the sample, promoting the separation of plasma which can subsequently be used for a wide range of tests, including electrolytes, renal profiles, liver function, hormone tests, drug monitoring and many other laboratory analyses. Their use is recommended whenever it is necessary to obtain plasma quickly without altering the biochemical parameters sensitive to degradation or residual intracellular metabolism.

They are particularly useful in emergency departments and first aid, where speed in obtaining results is crucial. Even in outpatient and home settings, the test tube guarantees the correct conservation of the sample while awaiting transport to the laboratory. The presence of the securely closing cap reduces the risk of accidental spills and contamination, thus ensuring high hygiene and protection. It is also indicated for pediatric patients or for repeated examinations in hospital regimes, where speed in sample processing is essential for the diagnosis and choice of therapeutic approach.

The tube technology allows use in automated analysis systems, reducing processing times and minimizing manual errors. They are recommended in all those cases where it is necessary to obtain accurate and reproducible results from the plasma, avoiding interferences linked to the presence of more traditional anticoagulants such as EDTA or sodium citrate, which could alter the dosages of some analytes.

Composition

Test tube materials: Body in high-strength, non-toxic and non-pyrogenic transparent plastic material. This allows the operator to easily view the contents and reduces the risk of contamination.

Anticoagulant: Lithium heparin, uniformly distributed inside the tube to guarantee a homogeneous action on the entire volume of collected blood. This substance prevents clotting without significantly interfering with the biochemical analyzes to be performed, keeping the blood in a fluid state ideal for plasma separation.

Cap: Blue hermetically sealed cap, designed to ensure an effective barrier against external agents and prevent accidental spills. The color allows for immediate identification and distinguishes this type from other tubes with different anticoagulants.

The inside of the tube is treated to facilitate the flow of blood and mixing with the anticoagulant, making it ideal for fast and efficient sampling even in emergency situations.

Each component meets high quality standards, ensuring that no unwanted interactions occur between the tube material and the blood sample.

Contraindications

The use of tubes containing lithium heparin may be contraindicated in cases in which analyzes contraindicated with this type of anticoagulant must be performed, such as the determination of specific electrolytes (mainly sodium and lithium) which could be interfered with by the presence of lithium heparin in the tube. Laboratories that must carry out hematological tests that require whole blood with coagulation (for example for classical coagulation or for tests on EDTA) must avoid the use of these tubes, choosing formats and types compatible with their diagnostic panels.

Furthermore, any hypersensitivity reactions or allergies to the plastic components or the anticoagulant, although rare, could represent a contraindication to use. Staff must always check the integrity of the test tube and correct storage in order to guarantee the absence of pre-analytical contamination. Not indicated for the storage and analysis of fluids other than blood without prior consultation of specific laboratory guidelines.

Its use is not recommended in patients in whom the sampling presents potentially greater risks than the diagnostic benefits, especially in the presence of known hemostasis problems or vascular difficulties. Inappropriate use can lead to incorrect or unreliable results, compromising the quality of the clinical data obtained.

Safety of the drug for the species

The Lithium Heparin Blue Cap tubes, although not drugs, have a very high safety profile thanks to the use of materials suitable for contact with human blood, subjected to rigorous quality controls and sterilization processes. They do not release toxic or interfering substances during all phases of collection, storage and transport of the blood sample. The blue cap has been designed to avoid accidental openings, protecting from environmental contamination and preventing leaks that could expose both the operator and the patient to infectious risks.

The closure system also minimizes the risk of exposure to pathogens that may be present in the blood. Failure to manually manipulate the contents, once the test tube has been sealed, guarantees maximum protection both in the workplace and during internal transport between the different hospital departments. The design of the tubes promotes safe disposal according to current regulations on potentially infectious materials.

Use is safe even in the presence of automated analysis systems that reduce the risk of human error, ensuring the integrity of the sample. Avoid reuse or decanting into non-sterile tubes, which can increase the risk of cross-infection.

Precautions

It is necessary to always take standard precautions when taking blood, wearing disposable gloves and carefully disinfecting the skin before inserting the needle. After collecting the blood, the tube must be shaken gently to allow homogeneous mixing between the sample and the anticoagulant, avoiding the formation of foam which could compromise the separation of the plasma.

Avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources, direct light or low temperatures, which can alter the function of the anticoagulant. Check the expiry date and the integrity of the package before use: expired or damaged tubes must be discarded immediately. It is essential to keep the test tubes out of the reach of children and protect them from potential contact with contaminating substances during all stages of manipulation.

Disposal of used tubes must follow the safety protocols for biological waste, using suitable containers. In case of accidental contact with blood, it is necessary to disinfect the affected area and report the exposure according to the procedures established by the relevant healthcare facility.

Method of administration

Blood collection in the Blue Cap Lithium Heparin Test Tube must take place via venipuncture procedure, respecting all hygiene standards and using sterile material. After sampling, the blood must be gently introduced into the tube until it reaches the volume recommended by its gradation. Subsequently, the tube must be tightly capped and inverted repeatedly, generally 8-10 times, to promote uniform distribution of the anticoagulant without causing hemolysis.

It is not necessary to add further substances, as the anticoagulant present is calibrated for the volume of the test tube. Once the sample has been collected, it is recommended to perform centrifugation as soon as possible to separate the plasma from the other cellular components, so as to preserve the quality of the material to be analyzed.

Immediate labeling of the tube at the time of collection allows you to avoid identification errors. It is good practice to always operate methodically, following the internal protocols of the structure.

Treatment program

The program for using the Blue Cap Lithium Heparin Test Tube envisages its adoption whenever the analysis of blood plasma in clinical biochemistry is required, both in a scheduled and emergency regime. There is no actual treatment regime, but rather punctual and repeated use in relation to the flow of patients and the prescribed diagnostic tests.

The tubes can be used in succession for multiple samples, with a few minutes between one sample and another, thanks to their ability to keep the biochemical parameters almost unchanged in the short period of pre-analytical conservation. Specific intervals between one use and another are not required, as each tube is used as a disposable instrument and disposed of after each single sample.

The operating methods provide that, once the sample has been introduced, it must be managed by the staff according to the times, temperatures and protocols established by the reference laboratory. Periodically, it is essential to check stocks of tubes and monitor storage conditions to ensure a continuous, quality supply.

Target species

The Blue Cap Lithium Heparin Test Tube is intended for use for human blood samples, making it particularly suitable for all population groups, from children to adults and the elderly. It can also be used, where specifically provided for by the guidelines or laboratory protocols, for the blood of some animal species subjected to veterinary clinical-chemical tests.