Specimen Type

Collect sample into an evacuated blood collection tube or microtainer tube containing sodium or lithium anticoagulant. Fill tubes to capacity. Incomplete filling causes higher heparin-to-blood ratio, which may affect the results. The use of partial – draw tubes (evacuated tubes that are adjusted to draw less than the tube volume, e.g. a 5 mL tube with enough vacuum to draw only 3 mL) is not recommended for blood gas analysis because of the potential for decreased PCO2, HCO3 and TCO2 values. Mix blood and anticoagulant by inverting a tube gently at least ten times.

For blood gases and total CO2, test within 10 minutes of collection. If not tested immediately, remix the sample before testing.
Collect sample into an evacuated blood collection tube or microtainer tube containing sodium or lithium anticoagulant. Fill tubes to capacity. Incomplete filling causes higher heparin-to-blood ratio, which may affect the results. The use of partial – draw tubes (evacuated tubes that are adjusted to draw less than the tube volume, e.g. a 5 mL tube with enough vacuum to draw only 3 mL) is not recommended for blood gas analysis because of the potential for decreased PCO2, HCO3 and TCO2 values.
Mix blood and anticoagulant by inverting a tube gently at least ten times.
For blood gases and total CO2, test within 10 minutes of collection. If not tested immediately, remix the sample before testing.