What Is an EDTA Bottle

So you just came home from a doctor’s appointment with an “EDTA” bottle in your bag of samples, and you’re wondering what exactly it’s for.

The EDTA bottle contains a small amount of EDTA powder or liquid, and when your blood is drawn into the bottle, it mixes. This stops your blood from clotting before it can be analyzed in the lab. Many common blood tests require an EDTA bottle. Read on to learn more about EDTA Bottles, Types, Functions, and How it is Used.

What is the Full Meaning of EDTA?

EDTA stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a compound used as an anticoagulant. Basically, it prevents your blood from clotting so your blood sample can be tested accurately. They help ensure your test results are precise by eliminating the chance of metal contamination in the sample during collection and transport.

What Is an EDTA Bottle?

An EDTA bottle, also known as an EDTA tube or vacutainer, is a specialized container used to collect blood samples for certain medical tests. It’s a chelating agent, meaning it binds to metals to inactivate them. EDTA bottles contain a form of EDTA that must be reconstituted before use. EDTA vials come in different sizes based on the amount of blood needed for specific tests.

When your doctor orders blood work, the lab needs your blood to remain liquid to analyze it properly. An EDTA bottle contains a measured amount of EDTA powder or liquid to prevent coagulation. The EDTA is mixed with the blood sample immediately after collection. EDTA bottles come pre-sterilized and are for single use only.

What is the EDTA Test Used For?

The EDTA blood test is used to measure the amount of lead in your blood. EDTA stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. This test requires a blood sample, usually taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a special tube that contains EDTA, which prevents your blood from clotting.

The EDTA lead blood test is often used to screen children and adults for lead poisoning or lead exposure. It can detect high lead levels even when there are no symptoms. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health issues, especially in children. By measuring the amount of lead in the blood, this test helps determine if any treatment or interventions are needed to reduce lead levels.

Also, EDTA tubes are used to get an accurate reading of things like your red and white blood cell counts, blood sugar levels, and kidney and liver function.

What is the Color of the EDTA Tube?

The EDTA tube used for blood collection comes in a Lavender (purple) top tube. This distinct color coding helps technicians and phlebotomists easily identify the correct tube for certain tests.

The lavender EDTA tube contains the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA works by binding to calcium in the blood, which is required for blood clotting. By binding the calcium, EDTA prevents the blood from clotting, keeping it in a liquid state for testing. The lavender color also indicates to the testing lab that the blood sample in this tube should be used for hematology tests like the complete blood count (CBC). The CBC provides information about your red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets.

So in summary, the lavender EDTA tube is essential for obtaining an unclotted blood sample and allowing hematology testing to be performed. Its distinct color takes the guesswork out of which tube should be used and alerts the testing lab to how the sample should be handled.

Other colours of EDTA TUBE & their Function include Tan top (used for lead testing) and Royal Blue top with EDTA (used for trace metal whole blood or plasma determinations). The most common are the lavender-top vial and the royal blue-top vial, which hold around 6 to 10 milliliters of blood.

The Purpose and Function of EDTA Bottles

EDTA bottles have a small amount of powdered EDTA inside. When the blood is drawn into the bottle, the EDTA is mixed into the sample, preventing clot formation. This allows the blood cells and plasma to be separated by centrifugation. The plasma or serum can then be tested.

EDTA bottles come in different sizes for collecting small or large amounts of blood. The tubes also contain a vacuum that automatically draws in the proper amount of blood. EDTA tubes must be filled to ensure the proper ratio of anticoagulant to blood. Under-filling or over-filling the tubes can lead to incorrect test results.

EDTA blood tubes have a lavender stopper or top and are commonly referred to as “purple tops.” The blood collected in EDTA tubes can be used for many types of blood tests, including complete blood counts, lipid panels, and iron studies. The blood cells and plasma should be separated from each other within 8 hours of collection for the most accurate test results. EDTA tubes that will not be processed within 6-8 hours of collection should be refrigerated.

In summary, EDTA blood collection tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting, allowing plasma or serum to be separated from the cells. The plasma can then be tested for various blood analyses. Proper handling and processing of EDTA tubes is important for accurate laboratory test results.

What is the difference between K2 and K3 EDTA tubes?

The main differences between K2 EDTA and K3 EDTA tubes are:

K2 EDTA tubes contain dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant. It binds calcium ions in the blood sample to prevent clotting. K2 EDTA is a powder that must be dissolved in liquid to function properly. This tube is commonly used for routine hematology testing.

K3 EDTA tubes contain tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, which is a liquid anticoagulant. It also binds calcium ions to prevent blood clotting. K3 EDTA provides a slightly higher concentration of EDTA for specialized testing that requires whole blood. This tube can be used when a higher ratio of anticoagulant to blood is needed. K3 EDTA tubes are often used when testing blood for lead levels.

In summary, while both K2 EDTA and K3 EDTA tubes contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid to prevent blood clotting, the main differences are:

• K2 EDTA is a powder, K3 EDTA is a liquid.
• K2 EDTA is used for routine blood testing, and K3 EDTA is used for specialized whole blood testing.
• K3 EDTA provides a higher concentration of anticoagulant.
• The presence of chelated potassium ions, with K2 EDTA having two and K3 EDTA having three ions, respectively. Furthermore, at greater doses, K3 EDTA does not affect MCV, i.e., the mean corpuscular volume of RBCs (red blood cells).

Knowing the differences between these two types of collection tubes will help ensure the proper tube is selected for the testing that is ordered. Using the incorrect tube can lead to improper test results and delays in diagnosis and treatment.

How to Use an EDTA Bottle for Blood Draws

To use an EDTA bottle for blood draws, follow these steps:

1. Gather the necessary supplies: EDTA bottle, tourniquet, alcohol swabs, gauze, bandage and sharps container.
2. Ensure the EDTA bottle is labeled properly with the patient’s information, including full name, date of birth and medical record number.
3. Disinfect the rubber stopper of the EDTA bottle with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
4. Have the patient seated with their arm extended and supported. Apply the tourniquet around the upper arm to slow blood flow.
5. Locate a suitable vein, usually in the antecubital fossa (the crook of the elbow). Clean the area with an alcohol swab and allow it to dry.
6. Grasp the patient’s arm to anchor the vein in place. Insert the needle into the vein with the bevel up at about a 20-degree angle.
7. Look for a flash of blood in the EDTA bottle’s hub to ensure proper placement in the vein. Gently push the tube onto the needle until filled.
8. Gently remove the tube and needle and apply pressure to the site with gauze. Raise the patient’s arm and apply a bandage.
9. Dispose of the used needle in the sharps container immediately.

Gently invert the EDTA bottle 8-10 times to ensure the anticoagulant additive is thoroughly mixed with the blood. This prevents clot formation. Do not over-invert the bottle, as this can cause hemolysis. Check that the blood appears evenly mixed and no clots are visible.

The blood sample is now ready to be transported to the lab for testing. Proper handling and processing of the EDTA tube is critical for accurate test results. Be sure to follow all standard operating procedures and safety precautions in your facility.

The Benefits of Using EDTA Bottles

Using EDTA bottles for blood collection provides several key benefits:

Preservation of Samples

EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. Adding EDTA to blood collection tubes allows blood samples to be stored for longer periods without clotting. This enables more comprehensive testing and additional tests to be run on a single sample.

Standardization

EDTA is a standardized anticoagulant, allowing test results to be accurately compared across different blood samples and collection sites. This standardization is important for consistent and reliable clinical testing and diagnosis.

Trace Metal Testing

EDTA does not interfere with most blood tests and analyses. However, it does bind to metal ions like lead and copper. EDTA tubes are required for accurate testing of blood levels of trace metals and minerals. The EDTA prevents these metals from clotting in the sample, allowing for precise measurement.

Cost-Effectiveness

Using EDTA tubes reduces the number of blood samples needed from patients by enabling multiple tests to be run from a single sample. This decreases costs for both healthcare providers and patients.

In summary, EDTA blood collection tubes provide a convenient, standardized way to collect, transport and test blood samples for a variety of clinical analyses and diagnostic purposes. Their ability to prevent clotting and enable accurate trace metal testing makes them an essential tool for effective healthcare.

Where to Buy EDTA Blood Collection Tubes in Nigeria

To purchase EDTA blood collection tubes in Nigeria, here are five recommended options:

• Local hospitals and clinics: Many hospitals, clinics, and private practices sell basic medical supplies like EDTA tubes. Ask if they have tubes for sale or can order some for you.
• Medical supply stores: Stores that specialize in medical equipment and supplies will likely carry EDTA blood collection tubes. Search online for “medical supply stores” in your city or area to find options.
• Pharmacies: Some larger pharmacies, especially those with a medical supply section, may sell EDTA tubes. Call ahead to inquire about availability and pricing.
• Online retailers: Websites like Jumia and Konga offer EDTA tubes for purchase and delivery in Nigeria. Make sure the seller is reputable and ships promptly.
• Medical wholesalers: If purchasing in bulk, medical wholesalers that supply hospitals and clinics may be an affordable option. You will need to create an account to order, and there may be minimum order quantities. Check sites like Medisupply or Medsource.

In summary, EDTA blood collection tubes can typically be found at many medical facilities, supply stores, and pharmacies in Nigeria, as well as from some online retailers and wholesalers. With a bit of searching, you can locate and purchase high-quality EDTA tubes to meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

EDTA tubes are commonly used for blood collection, but many people have questions about them. Here are some of the most frequently asked:

What does EDTA stand for?

EDTA is an acronym for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It’s an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting.

What color are EDTA tubes?

EDTA tubes are usually lavender (or purple) top, Pink top, Tan top, and Royal Blue top.

How should EDTA tubes be stored?

Whole blood is typically stored at 4°C for a few days. It is recommended to freeze blood samples at – 20°C to guarantee their integrity for a longer period. Other conditions, such as freezing at -80°C, are required to maintain samples for several years.

How long can blood stay in an EDTA tube?

Whole blood collected in EDTA tubes is stable for up to 6-8 hours at room temperature. The EDTA will prevent clot formation during this time.

What tests are EDTA tubes used for?

EDTA tubes are commonly used for blood tests that require whole blood, such as blood counts, blood typing, cross-matching, and serology tests. The anticoagulant allows the blood cells to remain intact for these types of analyses.

Can I have my blood drawn into an EDTA tube if I’m on blood thinners?

EDTA tubes can still be used for patients on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. The anticoagulant in the EDTA tube helps prevent clotting even when the body’s normal clotting mechanisms are impaired. However, some test results may be affected, so the lab should be notified if you’re taking these medications.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a quick overview of what an EDTA bottle is and why it’s important for blood collection and testing. EDTA is a crucial anticoagulant that prevents your blood from clotting after it’s drawn so the sample remains usable. Those little purple-topped tubes may seem insignificant, but they play an important role in providing an accurate analysis of your blood.

Next time you have blood work done, you’ll know exactly what that EDTA bottle is for and why the phlebotomist is being so careful to invert it gently. Knowledge is power, and now you’re empowered to understand all the tools of the trade in blood testing and how they help keep you healthy.