Though we collect most hemostasis specimens using evacuated tubes, we often resort to syringes when patient veins are small or fragile. Many of us specify syringe collection for global whole blood assays and platelet function tests. George recalls a time when we would load the syringe with a measured volume of sodium citrate anticoagulant prior to collection so that the freshly collected blood was immediately anticoagulated. We would observe the standard 9:1 ratio. For instance, we would draw 1 mL of anticoagulant into the syringe, carefully expel air, then collect 9 mL of blood. Subsequently we would expel the specimen to a non-anticoagulant tube. George has seen no protocol for this nor any document that either advocates for or prohibits this practice. Is there anyone who uses this approach? What are the pros and cons?
Though we collect most hemostasis specimens using evacuated tubes, we often resort to syringes when patient veins are small or fragile. Many of us specify syringe collection for global whole blood assays and platelet function tests. George recalls a time when we would load the syringe with a measured volume of sodium citrate anticoagulant prior to collection so that the freshly collected blood was immediately anticoagulated. We would observe the standard 9:1 ratio. For instance, we would draw 1 mL of anticoagulant into the syringe, carefully expel air, then collect 9 mL of blood. Subsequently we would expel the specimen to a non-anticoagulant tube. George has seen no protocol for this nor any document that either advocates for or prohibits this practice. Is there anyone who uses this approach? What are the pros and cons?
