Phlebotomy Order of Draw

A phlebotomist’s job is to draw blood, i.e., collect blood samples using collection tubes in a specific order when performing venipuncture while at the same time paying attention to avoid cross-contamination of the various additives between the tubes.

This procedure is known as an order of draw. Now we can go to the most crucial question:

Search Phlebotomy Technician Programs

Get information on Phlebotomy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Why Is the Order of Draw That Essential?

In fact, the order of draw guarantees that the patient’s results will be returned accurately and will result in proper diagnosis and treatment.

In fact, by following the correct tube collection procedure, you will provide a safer, more comfortable experience for your patient, which is always a priority when drawing blood.

We’ve singled out the important reasons why the order of draw is essential, including:

  • It decreases the time it takes to perform the procedure
  • It avoids complications for the patient
  • It can prevent cross-contamination of additives between blood collection tubes
  • It reduces the patient’s discomfort
  • It avoids possible patient complications
  • Due to the enormous number of blood collection tubes at the top, it can often be challenging to remember the correct order.
  • Therefore, this guide, which results from our team’s exceptional research, will show that by composing a single chart, mnemonic, or an infographic, you can easily remember the proper order.
Blood Draw Order Tube Color Name/Additive # of Inversions 
1 Varies Blood Cultures 8 – 10 
2 Light Blue Sodium Citrate 3 – 4 
3 Red Clot Activator 4 – 5 
4 Gold SST (Serum Separator Tube) 4 – 5 
5 Light Green Lithium Heparin 8 – 10 
6 Dark Green Sodium Heparin 8 – 10 
7 Lavender EDTA 8 – 10 
8 Gray Sodium Fluoride / Potassium Oxalate 8 – 10 

 

What Are Inversions?

A phlebotomist flips each blood sample by turning the tube vertically 180 degrees.

The infographic below shows what a complete inversion is.

These inversions are necessary to mix the blood sample with each tube’s addition to ensure that there is no cross-contamination between the tubes.

Therefore, cross-contamination of additives may result in misdiagnosis or mistreatment of the patient.

Search Phlebotomy Technician Programs

Get information on Phlebotomy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

This page is also available in Spanish.


Related Resources

What is a Phlebotomy Technician?

The phlebotomy technician, i.e., the phlebotomist, plays a significant role in the field of phlebotomy. In fact, a phlebotomist technician…

Getting a Phlebotomy Job without Experience

Once you have decided on a job to choose to be a phlebotomist, you should be prepared that it is…

Phlebotomy – Job Outlook

Have you ever thought about becoming a phlebotomist? But you are afraid that you will not have a permanent job…

Getting a Higher Salary as a Phlebotomist

The phlebotomy department’s work is developing daily, which results in the average salary increasing more and more. The first thing…

Find a Program