Blood Collection

Blood Collection supplies are critical to accurate diagnostics and laboratory testing. From venipuncture to capillary sampling, this category includes sterile, safety-engineered devices such as vacutainer tubes, needles, lancets, and holders. Designed to preserve sample integrity and ensure patient safety, blood collection tools support a wide range of tests in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and mobile phlebotomy units.

Why Blood Collection Supplies Are Essential

Proper blood collection is the first and most crucial step in diagnostic accuracy. Using the right tools minimizes hemolysis, contamination, or clotting—ensuring reliable lab results. Safety features also protect healthcare workers from accidental needle sticks and cross-contamination. Blood collection systems must be user-friendly, compliant with safety regulations, and compatible with automated testing platforms for seamless lab workflows.

What Are Blood Collection Supplies?

Blood collection supplies include all equipment used to draw, store, and transport blood specimens for laboratory analysis. This includes evacuated blood collection tubes with specific additives, sterile needles, butterfly sets, tube holders, capillary tubes, and lancets. Many components are color-coded for test-specific compatibility and may include safety mechanisms to prevent sharps injuries or contamination.

Types of Blood Collection Supplies

Blood Collection Tubes

Best for: Preserving blood samples for laboratory testing.
These vacuum-sealed tubes are pre-filled with additives that support specific test types (e.g., anticoagulants, clot activators).

Key Features:

• Color-coded caps for test compatibility (e.g., lavender = EDTA, blue = citrate).
• Additives like EDTA, heparin, sodium fluoride, or serum separators.
• Sizes range from pediatric microtubes to 10 mL vacutainers.
• Made from durable glass or PET plastic.
• Compatible with automation systems and barcode labeling.

Applications:

• Hematology, chemistry, coagulation, and serology testing.
• Blood glucose and cholesterol panels.
• Hormone and biomarker screening.
• Cross-matching and blood typing.

Butterfly Needles & Needle Sets

Best for: Smooth, low-pressure venipuncture in challenging veins.
Butterfly sets provide enhanced control and patient comfort during blood draws.

Key Features:

• Winged infusion design for better grip and insertion.
• Available with or without pre-attached tubing and holders.
• Safety needle retraction or shielding features.
• Sizes ranging from 21G to 25G.
• Latex-free and sterile packaging.

Applications:

• Geriatric and pediatric venipuncture.
• Difficult or rolling veins.
• Blood draws from fragile or superficial veins.
• Outpatient and mobile phlebotomy.

Lancets & Capillary Collection Devices

Best for: Capillary blood collection via fingerstick or heelstick.
Used in point-of-care settings, these devices collect small blood volumes safely and painlessly.

Key Features:

• Single-use, auto-retracting safety lancets.
• Available in various penetration depths (1.5 mm–2.4 mm).
• Suitable for adults, infants, and neonates.
• Compatible with microtubes or capillary pipettes.
• Designed for minimal pain and reduced hemolysis.

Applications:

• Blood glucose monitoring.
• Hemoglobin, cholesterol, and HbA1c testing.
• Neonatal screening and metabolic panels.
• Self-testing and home healthcare.

Tube Holders & Adapters

Best for: Connecting needles to collection tubes during venipuncture.
These components stabilize the draw and streamline tube changes.

Key Features:

• Universal compatibility with standard vacutainer tubes and needles.
• Options with safety features for sharps containment.
• Ergonomic, slip-resistant design.
• Disposable, single-use to prevent cross-contamination.
• Available in standard or pediatric sizes.

Applications:

• Hospital and outpatient blood collection stations.
• Phlebotomy carts and specimen draw setups.
• Multiple tube draws in one venipuncture.
• Rapid sample collection with minimal handling.

When to Use Blood Collection Supplies

• During phlebotomy for routine or specialized blood tests.
• For capillary blood sampling in home or clinic settings.
• In mobile testing units or field clinics.
• When safety and contamination prevention are priorities.
• For pediatric, neonatal, or elderly patient sampling.

How to Use Blood Collection Supplies

1. Prepare all materials (tubes, needle, holder, gloves).
2. Identify the collection site and cleanse it using antiseptic.
3. Perform venipuncture using a butterfly or straight needle.
4. Fill collection tubes in correct order of draw.
5. Label and store tubes as required for transport or testing.

Key Features of Blood Collection Supplies

• Sterile, single-use devices for safe blood draws.
• Color-coded tubes and needles for streamlined workflow.
• Vacuum systems and winged sets for smooth collection.
• Safety-engineered lancets and sharps protection to meet OSHA guidelines.
• Automated system compatibility for lab integration.

Benefits of Blood Collection Supplies

Using reliable blood collection products improves sample quality, reduces redraws, and ensures compliance with safety standards. These tools support efficiency for healthcare professionals while enhancing patient comfort. With leak-proof, clearly labeled, and safety-conscious designs, these supplies are essential for high-quality laboratory diagnostics.

How to Choose the Right Blood Collection Products

• Match tube color to test type (e.g., lavender for hematology, red for serum).
• Use butterfly sets for fragile or hard-to-access veins.
• Select appropriate lancet depth for fingerstick or heelstick sampling.
• Ensure holders and adapters fit your tube and needle systems.
• Choose safety devices to meet facility infection control protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What do the different colored blood tube tops mean?
A: Each color indicates a different additive (e.g., blue = sodium citrate, green = heparin, yellow = SPS or ACD).

Q: Can I reuse a tube holder?
A: No. Tube holders should be single-use to avoid cross-contamination or sharps injuries.

Q: What’s the best needle size for adult venipuncture?
A: 21G or 22G needles are most commonly used for adult blood draws.

Q: Can butterfly needles be used for all blood draws?
A: Yes, but they’re particularly helpful for small or fragile veins and pediatric or geriatric patients.

Q: Are lancets safe for home use?
A: Yes. Many lancets are preloaded, sterile, and retractable for safe, easy home use.

Related Products

• Specimen Bags: For safe transport of collected blood samples.
• Labeling & Barcode Systems: For patient ID and traceability.
• Sharps Containers: For safe needle disposal after collection.
• Diagnostic Test Kits: For testing glucose, cholesterol, or hemoglobin levels.

Ensure safe, efficient, and reliable blood draws with trusted blood collection supplies from MedicalEx. From color-coded tubes to precision butterfly sets and lancets, our comprehensive range supports every clinical or diagnostic need. Shop now and equip your phlebotomy team with the tools that protect patients—and deliver accurate results.