Description
A JK EDTA tube is a sterile, single-use blood collection tube, often with a lavender or purple cap, containing an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. It is used for routine hematology tests like Complete Blood Count (CBC), white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, and platelet counts, which require an anticoagulant to preserve blood cell morphology and prevent aggregation. These tubes are typically made of plastic, come in various sizes (e.g., 2ml, 3ml), and can be either vacuum or non-vacuum types.
Key features and details
- Anticoagulant: Contains a salt of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), typically K3 EDTA, which works by binding to calcium ions, inhibiting the coagulation cascade.
- Cap color: Usually purple or lavender to indicate the EDTA additive.
- Material: Commonly made of plastic (polypropylene or PET).
- Sterilization: The tubes are sterilized for laboratory use.
- Types: Available in both vacuum and non-vacuum versions.
- Applications: Primarily used for hematology tests such as:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- WBC and RBC counts
- Platelet counts
- Other tests like Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and certain genetic tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Limitations:
- The anticoagulant effect of EDTA is irreversible, so it’s not suitable for tests that require intact calcium ions, such as measuring calcium levels.
- It is also not ideal for functional blood cell analysis because it affects cell function.
- The anticoagulant effect of EDTA is irreversible, so it’s not suitable for tests that require intact calcium ions, such as measuring calcium levels.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.