EN

Vacutainer ®

Evacuated Blood Collection System

For In Vitro Diagnostic Use

INTENDED USE
BD Vacutainer® Tubes, Needles and Holders are used together as a system for the collection Most tube types contain additives in varying concentrations dependent upon the amount of
of venous blood. BD Vacutainer® Tubes are used to transport and process blood for testing vacuum and the required additive to blood ratio for the tube. See each shelf package or case
serum, plasma or whole blood in the clinical laboratory. label for specific additive quantity and approximate draw volume. Additive choice depends
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION on the analytic test method. It is specified by the manufacturer of the test reagents and/
or instrument on which the test is performed. Tube interiors are sterile. Tube stoppers are
BD Vacutainer® Tubes are evacuated tubes with color-coded (see table below) conventional lubricated with silicone or glycerin (see individual shelf package or case label) to facilitate
stoppers or BD Hemogard™ Closures. BD Vacutainer® Plus Tubes are plastic tubes. stopper insertion.

BD Vacutainer® Tube Closure Color Code Cross Reference*

ADDITIVE GROUP/ADDITIVE CONVENTIONAL BD HEMOGARD™
CLOSURE CLOSURE
Gel Separation Tubes
BD SST™ Tubes with Gel and Clot Activator Red/Gray Gold
BD PST™ Tubes with Gel and Lithium HeparinN 1 Green/Gray Light Green
BD SST™ ll Advance Tubes with Gel and Clot Activator** N/A Gold
BD PST™ ll Tubes with Gel and Lithium HeparinN 1** N/A Light Green
Non-Additive Tubes
Silicone Coated Red Red**
Uncoated Red Pink**
No Additive
2
Cherry Red/Light Gray Clear
Serum Tubes with Additives
Thrombin3** N/A Orange
Plus Serum/CAT with Clot Activator Red Red
Thrombin3, Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor** N/A Royal Blue
Sodium Fluoride Gray** Gray
Whole Blood/Plasma Tubes
K2EDTA or K3EDTA Lavender*** Lavender***
K2EDTA Pink*** Pink***
Citrate/CTAD (Coagulation) Light Blue Light Blue or Clear
Citrate (ESR) Black Black
Sodium Fluoride/Sodium EDTA Gray** Gray
Sodium Fluoride/Potassium Oxalate Gray Gray
HeparinN 1 Green*** Green***
Acid Citrate Dextrose (ACD) Yellow N/A
Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate (SPS) Yellow N/A
Trace Element Tubes
Silicone Coated**, HeparinN 1**, K2EDTA or with clot activator N/A Royal Blue
Lead Tubes
HeparinN 1 N/A Tan**
K2EDTA N/A Tan***
*Closure color may vary for specific reorder numbers.
**May not be available in the U.S.
1
HeparinN source is porcine. Devices labeled with a superscript letter ‘N’ indicate that the device contains heparin which has been certified to meet the requirements of USP Heparin
Monograph October 1, 2009.
2
May only be used as a discard tube or as a secondary specimen collection tube.
3
Thrombin source is bovine.
***BD Vacutainer® EDTA tubes (Lavender, Pink and Tan Top tubes) and Lithium Heparin tubes (Green Top tubes) are not recommended for use with Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare®
assays, employing the Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) methodology, or any other assay employing ASV methodology.

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BD Vacutainer® Serum Tubes BD Vacutainer® Plus Citrate Tubes
BD Vacutainer® Plus Serum Tubes / CAT Tubes are coated with silicone and micronized silica The tube component is comprised of two plastic tubes assembled together to maintain the
particles to accelerate clotting. Particles in the white film on the interior surface activate draw volume and liquid additive. The tube contains buffered sodium citrate additive. All tube
clotting when tubes are mixed by inversions. A silicone coating on the walls of most serum configurations are full draw and utilize BD Hemogard™ Closures. See Limitations of System,
tubes reduces adherence of red cells to tube walls. See Limitations of System, Precautions, Precautions, Specimen Collection and Handling Sections. The product performance has
Specimen Collection and Handling Sections. been compared to the 4.5mL glass tube for routine coagulation assays on a variety of donor
BD Vacutainer® Tubes for Lead and Trace Element Tests populations with clinically equivalent results obtained. Note: all studies were performed on
donors with hematocrits between 25 and 55%.
Tubes for lead testing and other trace elements are labeled specifically for these purposes on
the shelf package and case label. Use only appropriately labeled tubes for these tests. The The tube is designed to ensure appropriate fill level. Always allow the tube to fill until the
tubes for lead and trace element testing have been tested by extraction of the stoppered tube blood ceases to flow. Information on correct tube fill level is provided below.
for 4 hours. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) testing yielded results Minimum Fill Indicator:
below these concentration limits: The 360º etched fill indicator on the tube represents the minimum volume of blood required
BD Vacutainer® Trace Element Tubes Contamination Upper Limits for appropriate analysis. Check that the blood level is at or above the bottom edge of the
Analyte Glass µg/L Plus µg/L Analyte Glass µg/L Plus µg/L minimum fill indicator.
Antimony 0.8 -* Lead 2.5 0.3 Maximum Fill Level Guidance:
Arsenic 1.0 0.2 Magnesium 60 40 For the 2.7mL tube, if blood meniscus is not visible per the figure below, the tube is considered
overfilled.
Cadmium 0.6 0.1 Manganese 1.5 1.5
For the 1.8mL tube, if blood meniscus is higher than level shown in the figure below, the tube
Calcium 400 150 Mercury** - 3.0 is considered overfilled. The meniscus must be at least a distance of 3mm from the bottom
Chromium 0.9 0.5 Selenium - 0.6 edge of the closure as shown in the figure below.
Copper 8.0 5.0 Zinc 40 40
Iron 60 25
*BD Vacutainer® Trace Element Plus Tubes should not be used for antimony testing. Maximum fill
point
Water extraction analyzed by **Cold Vapor, all others ICP-MS Distance
from
Ensure cap to
blood max line
360 °etched
BD Vacutainer® Tubes for Lead Testing Contamination Upper Limits meniscus
is visible minimum
3 mm
fill indicator
Analyte Glass µg/L Plus* µg/L Always allow the
tube to fill until
Lead 10 2.5 the blood ceases
to flow
0.1N nitric acid extraction analyzed by ICP-MS Check that the
blood level is at or
*Also suitable for routine hematology testing above the bottom
edge of the minimum
fill indicator.
BD Vacutainer® SST™ Tubes / BD Vacutainer® SST™ II Advance Tubes*
The interior of the tube wall is coated with micronized silica particles to accelerate clotting.
A barrier polymer is present at the tube bottom. The density of this material causes it to 2.7 mL draw tube
13 x 75 mm
1.8 mL draw tube
13 x 75 mm
move upward during centrifugation to the serum-clot interface, where it forms a barrier
separating serum from fibrin and cells. Serum may be aspirated directly from the collection
tube, eliminating the need for transfer to another container. A silicone coating on the inner
tube wall reduces adherence of red cells to tube walls. See Limitations of System, Precautions, BD Vacutainer® Blood Collection Needles
Specimen Collection and Handling Sections. BD Vacutainer® Blood Collection Needles are single-use, double-ended, medical grade
*May not be available in the U.S. stainless steel needles. They have a threaded hub that fits into the threads of all
BD Vacutainer® PST™ Tubes / BD Vacutainer® PST™ II Tubes* BD Vacutainer® Holders. The venipuncture end of the needle has a point specially designed to
enter the skin easily during venipuncture. The needle is lubricated with silicone. The needles
The interior of the tube wall is coated with lithium heparin to inhibit clotting. Heparin are available in 1 and 1-1/2 inch lengths in 20, 21 and 22 gauge*; blood collection sets are
activates antithrombins, thus blocking the coagulation cascade and producing a whole blood/ available in 3/4 inch lengths in 21, 23 and 25 gauge, BD Vacutainer® Passive Shielding Blood
plasma sample instead of clotted blood and serum. A barrier polymer is present at the tube Collection Needles in 1 inch and 21 and 22 gauge and BD Vacutainer® Eclipse™ in 1-1/4
bottom. The density of this material causes it to move upward during centrifugation to the inch and 21 and 22 gauge. Needle size and lot number are printed on each individual needle
plasma-cell interface, where it forms a barrier separating plasma from cells. Plasma may assembly.
be aspirated directly from the collection tube, eliminating the need for transfer to another
*Not available in the U.S.
container. See Limitations of System, Precautions, Specimen Collection and Handling
Sections. BD Vacutainer® Luer Adapter, BD Vacutainer® Luer-Lok™ Access Device, and
*May not be available in the U.S. BD Vacutainer® Blood Transfer Device are products designed with a luer fitting in place of
the venipuncture end of the needle. The BD Vacutainer® Luer Adapter is a male slip-luer
BD Vacutainer® Tubes for Blood Banking fitting opposing a multiple sample non-patient (NP) needle. It is designed to be used with
BD Vacutainer® Plus Serum Tubes, BD Vacutainer® Plus K2EDTA Tubes, BD Vacutainer® a BD Vacutainer® Holder. The BD Vacutainer® Luer-Lok™ Access Device is a holder with an
Glass Serum Tubes, and BD Vacutainer® Glass K3EDTA Tubes, may be used for routine integrated multiple sample NP needle and threaded male luer fitting. The BD Vacutainer®
immunohematology testing such as ABO grouping, Rh typing, antibody screening, red Blood Transfer Device is a holder with an integrated multiple sample NP needle and locking
cell phenotyping and DAT testing, and blood donor screening for infectious disease such female luer fitting.
as Syphilis Ab, anti-HIV, anti-HTLV, anti-HCV, anti-HBc, and HBsAg. The performance Products have a latex free sleeve covering the NP needle that prevents leakage of blood into
characteristics of these tubes have not been established for immunohematology testing and the holder during blood collection. The tubes slide into the holder and are pushed onto the NP
infectious disease testing in general; therefore, users must validate the use of these tubes needle, allowing the vacuum in the tube to draw blood to a predetermined level.
for their specific assay-instrument/reagent system combinations and specimen storage
conditions. LIMITATIONS OF SYSTEM
BD Vacutainer® SST™ Plus Tubes, BD Vacutainer® SST™ Glass Tubes and BD Vacutainer® The quantity of blood drawn varies with altitude, ambient temperature, barometric pressure,
SST™ II Advance Tubes may be used for routine blood donor screening and diagnostic tube age, venous pressure, and filling technique. Tubes with draw volume smaller than the
testing of serum for infectious disease such as ToRCH, Syphilis Ab, anti-HIV, anti-HTLV, anti- apparent dimensions indicated (partial draw tubes), may fill more slowly than tubes of the
HCV, anti-HBc, and HBsAg. The performance characteristics of these tubes have not been same size with greater draw volume.
established for infectious disease testing in general; therefore, users must validate the use of For tubes subjected to centrifugation to generate plasma or serum for testing, standard
these tubes for their specific assay-instrument/reagent system combinations and specimen processing conditions do not necessarily completely sediment all cells, whether or not barrier
storage conditions. gel is present. Cell-based metabolism, as well as natural degradation ex vivo, can continue to
BD Vacutainer® CTAD Tubes affect serum/plasma analyte concentrations/activities after centrifugation. Separated plasma
samples in particular, will have a gradient of cells and platelets present after centrifugation.
The CTAD tube is used for the collection and transport of specimens for hemostasis testing. The presence of cells and platelets in the plasma may lead to increased variability and/
The CTAD solution is a mixture of sodium citrate, theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole. or instability of certain analytes that are involved in cell/platelet-mediated metabolic
The purpose of the additive is to anticoagulate the specimen and to minimize in vitro platelet processes and/or are present in higher concentrations in cells or platelets. Analytes that
activation. See Precautions, Specimen Collection and Handling Sections. may be affected include aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, lactate
dehydrogenase and potassium. The magnitude of such effects may vary depending on several

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factors, including whether the plasma is aliquoted or remains in the primary tube, sample STORAGE
agitation, and time. Analyte stability should be evaluated for the storage containers and Store tubes at 4-25ºC (39-77ºF), unless otherwise noted on the package label. All liquid
conditions of each laboratory. preservatives and anticoagulants are clear and colorless, except CTAD which is yellow. Do not
BD Vacutainer® PST™ Plus Tubes, BD Vacutainer® PST™ Glass Tubes and BD Vacutainer® use if they are discolored or contain precipitates. Powdered additives such as heparin and
PST™ II Tubes are not recommended for the collection of samples for blood banking thrombin are white; fluoride and fluoride/oxalate may be pale pink. Do not use if color has
procedures. BD Vacutainer® SST™ Plus Tubes, BD Vacutainer® SST™ Glass Tubes and changed. EDTA spray coated additives may have a white to slightly yellow appearance; this
BD Vacutainer® SST™ II Advance Tubes are not recommended for immunohematology does not affect the performance of the EDTA additive. Do not use tubes after their expiration
testing. BD Vacutainer® SST™ Plus Tubes and BD Vacutainer® SST™ II Advance Tubes date. Tubes expire on the last day of the month and year indicated.
can be used for certain TDM assays. U.S. customers please contact BD Technical Services SPECIMEN COLLECTION AND HANDLING
Department at 1-800-631-0174 for details, outside the U.S. contact your local representative.
READ THIS ENTIRE CIRCULAR BEFORE PERFORMING VENIPUNCTURE.
Do not use BD Vacutainer® Tubes containing lithium heparin for lithium measurement.
For coagulation tests, if patient hematocrit is above 55%, the final citrate concentration Required Equipment Not Provided for Specimen Collection
in the specimen should be adjusted. 1. Practice Universal Precautions. Use gloves, eye protection, coats or gowns, and other
Venous blood gas samples collected with BD Vacutainer® Plastic Lithium Heparin tubes appropriate apparel for protection from exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other
should not be used when testing carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) using the IL GEM 4000 potentially infectious materials.
instrument. A clinically significant positive bias with COHb results may occur. 2. Any BD Vacutainer® Needle Holders of the standard size may be used with 13 or 16 mm
PRECAUTIONS diameter tubes. A pediatric tube adapter should be used to modify the standard holder to
fit the 10.25 mm diameter tubes.
1. Storage of glass tubes containing blood at or below 0ºC may result in tube breakage.
3. Alcohol swab for cleansing site. If additional tubes requiring sterile collections, such as
2. Do not remove conventional rubber stoppers by rolling with thumb. Remove stoppers with blood cultures, are filled from the same venipuncture, use tincture of iodine or suitable
a twist and pull motion. alternative for cleansing. Follow the laboratory policy for sterile sample collection for site
3. Do not use tubes or needles if foreign matter is present. preparation and tube handling instructions. Do not use alcohol based cleansing materials
4. The paper label covering the connection of the needle shields will tear when the needle is when samples are to be used for blood alcohol testing.
opened. Do not use needle if label has been torn before venipuncture. 4. Dry, clean disposable gauze.
5. CTAD tubes must be protected from artificial and natural light during storage. 5. Tourniquet.
Accumulated light exposure in excess of 12 hours can cause additive inactivation. 6. Needle disposal container for used needle or needle/holder combination.
6. Separation of serum or plasma from the cells should take place within 2 hours of Required Equipment Not Provided for Specimen Processing
collection to prevent erroneous test results unless conclusive evidence indicates that
longer contact times do not contribute to result error. 1. Disposable transfer pipets if direct sampling from the instrument is not used or if specimen
is stored separately.
7. Do not use luer adapters for connection to indwelling catheters/ports; use a
BD Vacutainer® Luer-Lok™ Access Device instead. 2. Centrifuge capable of generating the recommended RCF at the tube bottom. A horizontal
centrifuge head is preferred for barrier quality with gel tubes and to obtain platelet poor
8. BD Vacutainer® EDTA tubes (Lavender, Pink and Tan Top tubes) and Lithium Heparin plasma for coagulation studies.
tubes (Green Top tubes) are not recommended for use with Magellan Diagnostics
LeadCare® assays, employing the Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) methodology, or 3. Gloves and other personal protective equipment as necessary for protection from exposure
any other assay employing ASV methodology. to bloodborne pathogens.
Preparation for Specimen Collection
CAUTION: Be sure the following materials are readily accessible before performing venipuncture:
1. Practice Universal Precautions. Use gloves, gowns, eye protection, other personal 1. See Required Equipment Not Provided for Specimen Collection above.
protective equipment, and engineering controls to protect from blood splatter, blood 2. All necessary tubes, identified for size, draw, and additive.
leakage, and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
3. Labels for positive patient identification of samples.
2. All glass has the potential for breakage. Examine all glass for potential damage in transit
before use, and take precautionary measures during handling. Recommended Order of Draw
3. Handle all biologic samples and blood collection “sharps” (lancets, needles, luer adapters, 1. Tubes for sterile samples.
and blood collection sets) according to the policies and procedures of your facility. 2. Tubes for coagulation studies (e.g., citrate).
Obtain appropriate medical attention in the event of any exposure to biologic samples 3. BD SST™, BD SST™ II Advance and Serum Tubes.
(for example, through a puncture injury), since they may transmit viral hepatitis, HIV
(AIDS), or other infectious diseases. Utilize any built-inused needle protector, if the 4. Tubes with other additives (e.g., heparin, EDTA, fluoride).
blood collection device provides one. BD does not recommend reshielding used needles. When using a winged blood collection set for venipuncture and a coagulation (citrate) tube is
However, the policies and procedures of your facility may differ and must always be the first specimen tube to be drawn, a discard tube should be used prior to the first specimen
followed. collection. The discard tube must be used to fill the blood collection set tubing’s “dead space”
4. Discard all blood collection “sharps” in biohazard containers approved for their disposal. with blood. The discard tube does not need to be filled completely. This step will ensure
maintenance of the proper blood-additive-ratio of the specimen. The discard tube should be
5. Transferring a sample collected using syringe and needle to a tube is not recommended. a non additive or coagulation tube. BD Vacutainer® SST™ Tubes, BD Vacutainer® SST™ II
Additional manipulation of sharps, such as hollow bore needles, increases the potential Advance Tubes and BD Vacutainer® Plus Serum Tubes / CAT Tubes contain particulate clot
for needlestick injury. activators and are considered additive tubes. Therefore, Plus Serum Tubes are not to be used
6. Transferring samples from syringe to an evacuated tube using a non-sharps device should as discard tubes before drawing citrate tubes for coagulation studies.
be performed with caution for the reasons described below. • Depressing the syringe Prevention of Backflow
plunger during transfer can create a positive pressure, forcefully displacing the stopper
and sample, causing splatter and potential blood exposure. • Using a syringe for blood Since some evacuated blood collection tubes contain chemical additives, it is important to
transfer may also cause over or under filling of tubes, resulting in an incorrect blood-to- avoid possible backflow from the tube, with the possibility of adverse patient reactions.
additive ratio and potentially incorrect analytic results. • Evacuated tubes are designed to To guard against backflow, observe the following precautions:
draw the volume indicated. Filling is complete when vacuum no longer continues to draw, 1. Place patient’s arm in a downward position.
though some tubes may partially fill due to plunger resistance when filled from a syringe. 2. Hold tube with the stopper uppermost.
The laboratory should be consulted regarding the use of these samples.
3. Release tourniquet as soon as blood starts to flow into tube.
7. If blood is collected through an intravenous (I.V.) line, ensure that line has been cleared
of I.V. solution before beginning to fill blood collection tubes. This is critical to avoid 4. Make sure tube additives do not touch stopper or end of the needle during venipuncture.
erroneous laboratory data from I.V. fluid contamination. Venipuncture Technique and Specimen Collection General Instructions
8. Overfilling or under filling of tubes will result in an incorrect blood-to-additive ratio and WEAR GLOVES DURING VENIPUNCTURE AND WHEN HANDLING BLOOD COLLECTION TUBES
may lead to incorrect analytic results or poor product performance. TO MINIMIZE EXPOSURE HAZARD.
9. Endotoxin not controlled. Blood and blood components collected and processed in the 1. Select tube or tubes appropriate for required specimen. For sterile collections, see the
tube are not intended for infusion or introduction into the human body. specific instructions noted in the collection device product circular.
2. Assemble needle in holder. Be sure needle is firmly seated to ensure needle does not
unthread during use.
3
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 3. Gently tap tubes containing additives to dislodge any material that may be adhering to used. Use of carriers too large or too small for the tube may result in breakage.
the stopper. RCF is related to centrifuge speed setting (rpm) using the following equation:
4. Place tube into holder. Note: Do not puncture stopper.
where “r”, expressed in cm, is the radial distance from the
5. Select site for venipuncture.
center of the centrifuge head to the bottom of the tube.
6. Apply tourniquet. Prepare venipuncture site with an appropriate antiseptic. DO NOT
PALPATE VENIPUNCTURE AREA AFTER CLEANSING. The following table gives recommended centrifuge RCF and time:
7. Place patient’s arm in a downward position.
Centrifugation RCF and Time*
PRODUCT RCF (g) TIME (min)
BD SST™ and BD PST™ Tubes (glass) 1000 – 1300 10
BD SST™ Plus and BD PST™ Plus Tubes - 13mm 1100 – 1300 10
BD SST™ Plus and BD PST™ Plus Tubes - 16mm 1000 – 1300 10
8. Remove needle shield. Perform venipuncture WITH ARM DOWNWARD AND TUBE BD SST™ Transport Tubes 1100 – 1300 15
STOPPER UPPER-MOST. BD SST™ II Advance and BD PST™ II Tubes 1300 – 2000 10
9. Center tubes in holder when penetrating the stopper to prevent sidewall penetration All Non-gel Tubes ≤ 1300 10
and resultant premature vacuum loss. Push tube onto needle, puncturing stopper Citrate Tubes 1500** 15**
diaphragm.
15 minutes for all gel tubes in a fixed angle centrifuge
10. REMOVE TOURNIQUET AS SOON AS BLOOD APPEARS IN TUBE. DO NOT ALLOW
RCF = Relative Centrifuge Force, g’s
CONTENTS OF TUBE TO CONTACT THE STOPPER OR END OF THE NEEDLE DURING
PROCEDURE. *Use of alternate centrifugation conditions (e.g., higher RCF and shorter spin time) may also
provide acceptable performance; this should be evaluated and validated by the laboratory.
Note: Blood may occasionally leak from the needle sleeve. Practice Universal Precautions to
**Unless otherwise specified on product labeling. Citrate tubes should be centrifuged at a speed
minimize exposure hazard. If no blood flows into tube or if blood ceases to flow before an and time to consistently produce platelet-poor plasma (platelet count <10,000/µL) per CLSI
adequate specimen is collected, the following steps are suggested to complete satisfactory Guidelines.
collection:
Ensure that tubes are properly seated in the centrifuge carrier. Incomplete seating could result
a. Push tube forward until tube stopper has been penetrated. If necessary, hold in place in separation of the BD Hemogard™ Closures from the tube or extension of the tube above
to ensure complete vacuum draw. the carrier. Tubes extending above the carrier could catch on centrifuge head, resulting in
b. Confirm correct position of needle cannula in vein. breakage. Balance tubes to minimize the chance of glass breakage. Match tubes to tubes of
c. REMOVE TUBE AND PLACE NEW TUBE INTO THE HOLDER. the same fill level, glass tubes to glass, tubes with BD Hemogard™ Closures to others with the
Closure, gel tubes to gel tubes, BD Vacutainer® Plus Tubes with Plus Tubes, and tube size to
d. If second tube does not draw, remove needle and discard. Repeat procedure from Step 1. tube size.
11. When first tube has filled to its stated volume and blood flow ceases, remove it from Always allow centrifuge to come to a complete stop before attempting to remove tubes. When
holder. centrifuge head has stopped, open the lid and examine for possible broken tubes. If breakage is
12. Place succeeding tubes in holder, puncturing diaphragm to begin flow. See indicated, use mechanical device such as forceps or hemostat to remove tubes.
Recommended Order of Draw. Caution: Do not remove broken tubes by hand.
13. While each successive tube is filling, turn the filled tube upside-down and return it to See centrifuge instruction manual for disinfection instructions.
upright position. This is one complete inversion. Barrier Information
For proper additive performance, invert BD SST™ Tubes or Plus Serum Tubes 5 times. Invert The flow properties of the barrier material are temperature-related. Flow may be impeded
BD CAT Tubes 5-6 times. Invert BD SST™ II Advance Tubes 6 times. Invert Citrate or CTAD if chilled before or during centrifugation. To optimize flow and prevent heating during
tubes 3-4 times. Invert all other filled additive tubes 8-10 times. Do not shake. Vigorous centrifugation, set refrigerated centrifuges to 25ºC (77ºF).
mixing may cause foaming or hemolysis. Insufficient mixing or delayed mixing in serum
tubes may result in delayed clotting and incorrect test results. In tubes with anticoagulants, Tubes should not be re-centrifuged once barrier has formed. Barriers are more stable when
inadequate mixing may result in platelet clumping, clotting and/or incorrect test results. tubes are spun in centrifuges with horizontal (swinging bucket) heads than those with fixed
angle heads.
14. As soon as blood stops flowing in the last tube, remove tube from holder, remove needle
from vein, applying pressure to puncture site with dry sterile swab until bleeding stops. Separated serum or plasma is ready for use. The tubes may be placed directly on the
instrument carrier or serum/plasma may be pipetted into an analyzer cup. Some instruments
15. Once clotting has occurred, apply bandage if desired. can sample directly from a separator tube with the stopper in place. Follow the instrument
16. After venipuncture, the top of the stopper may contain residual blood. Take proper manufacturer’s instructions.
precautions when handling tubes to avoid contact with this blood.
ANALYTIC EQUIVALENCY
17. Dispose of needle and holder per your facility’s policy and guidelines.
Evaluations of BD Vacutainer® Tubes have been performed for an array of analytes over a
Clotting Instructions variety of test methods and time periods. BD Life Sciences - Integrated Diagnostic Solutions
Allow blood to clot thoroughly before centrifugation. The following table gives the is available to answer questions regarding these studies. Please contact them to obtain
recommended minimum clotting times for specific tube types or additives. references and technical reports on these evaluations and any other information regarding the
use of BD Vacutainer® Tubes with your instrument/reagent system.
Minimum Clotting Time Recommendations
PRODUCT TIME (min) TECHNICAL SERVICES
Serum / CAT Tubes 60 In the U.S. please contact:
BD SST™ / BD SST™ II Advance Tubes 30 Technical Services
Thrombin Tubes 5 BD Life Sciences - Integrated Diagnostic Solutions
Recommended times are based upon an intact clotting process. Patients with abnormal 1 Becton Drive
clotting due to disease, or those receiving anticoagulant therapy require more time for Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
complete clot formation. 1.800.631.0174
Centrifugation bd.com/ifu
Caution: Do not centrifuge glass tubes at forces above 2200 RCF in a horizontal
head (swinging bucket) centrifuge as breakage may occur. Glass tubes may break if Outside the U.S. please contact your local BD representative.
centrifuged above 1300 RCF in fixed angle centrifuge heads. BD Vacutainer® Plus Tubes Whenever changing any manufacturer’s blood collection tube type, size, handling, processing
will withstand up to 10,000 RCF in a balanced centrifuge. Always use appropriate or storage condition for a particular laboratory assay, the laboratory personnel should review
carriers or inserts. Use of tubes with cracks or chips or excessive centrifugation the tube manufacturer’s data and their own data to establish/verify the reference range for a
speed may cause tube breakage, with release of sample, droplets, and an aerosol specific instrument/reagent system. Based on such information, the laboratory can then decide
into the centrifuge bowl. Release of these potentially hazardous materials can be if a change is appropriate.
avoided by using specially designed sealed containers in which tubes are held during
centrifugation. Centrifuge carriers and inserts should be of the size specific to the tubes

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4
REFERENCES Symbol and Mark Key
CLSI Document H1-A6. Tubes and Additives for Venous and Capillary Blood Specimen
Authorized Representative
Collection; approved standard, 6th ed. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute; 2010. Batch Code
CLSI Document H3-A6. Procedures for the Collection of Diagnostic Blood Specimens Biological Risk
by Venipuncture; approved standard, 6th ed. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards
Institute; 2007. CE Marking
Landt M, Smith CH and Hortin GL. Evaluation of evacuated blood-collection tubes: Catalog Number
Effects of three types of polymeric separators on therapeutic drug-monitoring specimens.
Clin Chem 1993; 39:1712-1717. Caution, Consult Accompanying Documents
Dasgupta A, Dean R, Saldana S, Kinnaman G and McLawhon RW. Absorption of therapeutic Consult Instructions For Use
drugs by barrier gels in serum separator blood collection tubes. Am J Clin Path 1994;
101:456-461. Date of Manufacture
Yawn BP, Loge C and Dale J. Prothombin time, one tube or two? Am J Clin Path 1996; Do Not Reuse
105:794-97.
Gottfried, EL and Adachi, MM. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial prothrombin For IVD Performance Evaluation Only
time (APTT) can be performed on the first tube. Am J Clin Path 1997; 107:681-683.
CLSI Document H21-A5. Collection, Transport, and Processing of Blood Specimens for Fragile, Handle With Care
Testing Plasma-Based Coagulation Assays and Molecular Hemostasis Assays; In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device
approved guideline, 5th ed. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2008.
Keep Away from Sunlight
CLSI Document H18-A4. Procedures for the Handling and Processing of Blood
Specimens for Common Laboratory Tests; approved guideline, 4th ed. Wayne, PA: Manufacturer
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2010.
Sterile
Instructions for Removal of BD Hemogard™ Closure
Method of Sterilization Using Ethylene Oxide
1. Grasp the BD Vacutainer® Tube with one
hand, placing the thumb under the Method of Sterilization Using Irradiation
BD Hemogard™ Closure. (For added stability,
place arm on solid surface). With the other Method of Sterilization Using Steam or Dry Heat
hand, twist the BD Hemogard™ Temperature Limitation
Closure while simultaneously pushing up with the thumb of the other hand ONLY UNTIL
THE TUBE STOPPER IS LOOSENED. Lower Limit of Temperature
2. Move thumb away before lifting closure. DO NOT use thumb to push closure off tube.
Caution: Any glass tube has the potential to crack or break. If the tube contains Upper Limit of Temperature
blood, an exposure hazard exists. To help prevent injury during closure removal, it is
important that the thumb used to push upward on the closure be removed from contact This End Up
with the tube as soon as the BD Hemogard™ Closure is loosened.
Use By
3. Lift closure off tube. In the unlikely event of the plastic shield separating from the rubber
stopper, DO NOT REASSEMBLE CLOSURE. Carefully remove rubber stopper from tube. Do Not Use If Package Is Damaged
Instructions for Reinsertion of BD Hemogard™ Closure
1. Replace closure over tube. Recyclable
2. Twist and push down firmly until stopper is fully reseated. CAUTION! CTAD Tubes must be protected from artificial and natural light
Complete reinsertion of the stopper is necessary for the during storage. Preliminary data indicate unacceptable photoinactivation of
closure to remain securely on the tube during handling. dipyridamole after 48 hours exposure to fluorescent light.

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Australian Sponsor:
Becton Dickinson Pty Ltd.
66 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia
New Zealand Sponsor:
Becton Dickinson Limited
14B George Bourke Drive
Mt. Wellington Auckland 1060, New Zealand
Made in USA or UK
BD, the BD Logo, Hemogard, Luer-Lok, PST, SST, and Vacutainer are trademarks
of Becton, Dickinson and Company or its affiliates. All other trademarks
are the propertyof their respective owners. © 2020 BD. All rights 09/2020
reserved. VDP40161-WEB(10)