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Blood tube recognition: order of draw

This page provides health professionals with the recommended order of draw when collecting and using blood tube. Reference source for this is Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute H3A6.

When filling evacuated tube from a syringe, please use the blood transfer device. Gently invert tubes 6-8 times to ensure adequate mixing.

Microtainers are not suitable for all tests due to the small volume. For additional information refer to the pathology test list.

An illustrative poster of the below items is also available—download the Blood tube specimen collection: Order of draw A3 poster (PDF, 1.3 MB).

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1

Blood culture

Optimal recovery of microorganisms from blood is dependent on culturing adequate sample volume.
M/C/S
Paediatric
1 x yellow O₂ 4ml
Adult
1 x green O₂ 10ml
+
1 x orange ANO₂ 10ml

2
Citrate
Must fill to line.
Paediatric citrate tube requires exactly 1.3mL volume.
1.8mL citrate tube must be stored upright.
COAG
INR
APTT
Anti-Xa
D-Dimer
Factor VIII
Factor IX

3
Serum separator tube (SST)
CHEM20
ONC Profile
EBV
Anti HTLV
Toxoplasma
HEP B
HEP C
CMV
HIV
Syphilis
HSV I/II
VZV
Methotrexate
Cortisol
Gentamicin
Vancomycin
CRP
TNI

4
Serum no gel
HITTS
Cold agglutinins

5

Trace element

Copper studies, zinc, selenium,
aluminum

6

Lithium heparin (PST)

Alternative tube for biochemistry
tests in selected anticoagulated
patients e.g. renal dialysis

7
Lithium heparin (no gel)
FISH chromosomes (blood)
Karyotype
Cytogenetics
Plasma haemoglobin (2mL or 6mL)

8
EDTA
PCR, manganese and molecular genetic tests require a dedicated sample and can't be used with any other tests.
Transfusion must be in dedicated tube.
FBC
ADENO PCR
CMVPCR
EBVPCR
CYCA
TACRO
Posaconazole
CD34 Count
X Match
Group and hold
TMLOG
Manganese
Hep C PCR
Clozapine
Sirolimus
Everlimus
Chimerism Studies
Molecular genetic tests
HbA1c
Malaria screen