Hey there! As a blood collection tube supplier, I get asked a lot about the difference between evacuated and non – evacuated blood collection tubes. So, I thought I’d break it down for you in this blog post. Blood Collection Tube
Let’s start with the basics. Evacuated blood collection tubes are designed with a vacuum inside. When the needle is stuck into your vein and then inserted into the tube, the vacuum inside the tube draws the blood in automatically. It’s like a little suction machine built right into the tube. On the other hand, non – evacuated blood collection tubes rely on a syringe to draw the blood out of your vein first and then the blood is transferred into the tube manually.
1. Design and Working Principle
Evacuated Tubes
These tubes are made to be super convenient. The rubber stopper on top is airtight, which maintains the vacuum inside. Once the tube is punctured by the double – ended needle (with one end in the vein and the other in the tube), the blood flows in until the pressure inside and outside the tube equalizes. This system is really efficient because it minimizes the chance of blood spilling during collection. It’s a one – step process that’s quick and easy for medical staff.
Non – evacuated Tubes
Non – evacuated tubes don’t have that built – in vacuum. You have to use a syringe. The medical professional first inserts the syringe needle into your vein and then pulls back on the plunger to draw the blood. After that, they have to carefully transfer the blood from the syringe into the tube. This multi – step process is a bit more time – consuming and there’s a higher risk of blood splashing or spilling.
2. Safety
Evacuated Tubes
Safety is a big deal in the medical field, and evacuated tubes have a leg up in this department. Since the blood is drawn directly into the tube, there’s less exposure to it. This reduces the risk of accidental needlesticks and blood – borne pathogen transmission. The closed system of evacuated tubes also helps prevent the release of aerosols that could carry harmful pathogens.
Non – evacuated Tubes
With non – evacuated tubes, the manual transfer of blood from the syringe to the tube increases the risk of accidental spills. And when there are spills, medical staff can be exposed to the patient’s blood. Needlestick injuries are also more likely during the syringe – based collection process. If a medical worker accidentally gets pricked by a used needle, there’s a chance of getting infected with diseases like hepatitis or HIV.
3. Accuracy of Collection
Evacuated Tubes
Because the vacuum in evacuated tubes is pre – calibrated, they can draw a precise amount of blood. This is important for accurate test results. Different types of tests require specific volumes of blood, and evacuated tubes are designed to get it right every time. For example, if a test needs 5 milliliters of blood, the tube will draw exactly that amount.
Non – evacuated Tubes
When using a syringe to collect blood for non – evacuated tubes, it can be harder to get the exact volume. It depends a lot on the skill of the person doing the collection. If too much or too little blood is collected, it can affect the test results. And sometimes, when transferring the blood from the syringe to the tube, some blood might get left behind in the syringe, which can also throw off the accuracy.
4. Types of Tests
Evacuated Tubes
Evacuated tubes come in different colors, and each color indicates a different additive inside the tube. These additives are used to keep the blood in the right condition for specific tests. For example, a red – topped tube usually has no additive and is used for serum tests. A lavender – topped tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA and is used for complete blood count (CBC) tests. The variety of evacuated tubes makes it easy to collect blood for multiple tests at once.
Non – evacuated Tubes
Non – evacuated tubes also have additives, but the selection might not be as extensive as that of evacuated tubes. Sometimes, it can be more difficult to find a non – evacuated tube with the exact additive needed for a particular test. And since the collection process is more hands – on, there’s a greater risk of contamination during the transfer, which can affect the test results.
5. Cost and Availability
Evacuated Tubes
Manufacturing evacuated tubes is a bit more complex because of the vacuum – sealing process. This can make them a bit more expensive than non – evacuated tubes. However, they are widely available in the market because they are used so commonly in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. You can easily find different sizes and types of evacuated tubes in most medical supply stores.
Non – evacuated Tubes
Non – evacuated tubes are generally cheaper to produce since they don’t require the vacuum – building technology. But they might not be as readily available in all places. Some smaller medical facilities might not stock them because they are not used as frequently as evacuated tubes.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
It really depends on your needs. If you’re a hospital or a large – scale medical facility that does a high volume of blood collections, evacuated tubes are probably the way to go. They are safer, more accurate, and more convenient for the medical staff. On the other hand, if you’re a small clinic with a limited budget and a lower volume of blood collection, non – evacuated tubes could be a more cost – effective option.
As a blood collection tube supplier, I’ve seen firsthand how important these choices are. Whether you’re looking for evacuated or non – evacuated tubes, we’ve got you covered. Our products are of the highest quality and meet all the necessary medical standards.
If you’re interested in learning more about our blood collection tubes or are thinking about placing an order, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to discuss your needs and help you find the perfect solution for your blood collection requirements. Let’s talk about how we can work together to meet your clinical needs.
Disposable Infusion Set References:
- "Clinical Laboratory Science Review" by Robert R. Harr.
- "The Basics of Phlebotomy" from professional phlebotomy training courses.
Shandong Chengwu Medical Products Factory
As one of the most professional blood collection tube manufacturers in China, we offer a wide range of products with superior quality. Please feel free to wholesale bulk blood collection tube for sale here from our factory. For more information, contact us now.
Address: Southern End Of Quancheng Road, Chengwu County, Shandong Province, China
E-mail: contact@chengwumedical.com
WebSite: https://www.cwyymed.com/
