---
name: Blood Specimen Collection and Handling
description: Provides standardized procedures for collecting, anticoagulating, processing, and transporting venous, arterial, and capillary blood specimens (including whole blood, serum, and plasma) to ensure diagnostic accuracy. Use this skill whenever a clinical laboratory test requires blood sampling—especially when selecting specimen type, anticoagulant, or handling protocol is critical to avoid pre-analytical errors.
metadata:
  openclaw:
    emoji: "🔬"
    skillKey: "blood-specimen-collection-and-handling"
---

# Blood Specimen Collection and Handling

Follow these steps to collect and process blood specimens correctly:

## 1. Select Appropriate Specimen Type
- **Whole blood**: Use for hematological tests (e.g., complete blood count).
- **Serum**: Use for most clinical chemistry and immunology assays.
- **Plasma**: Use for coagulation studies, free hemoglobin, and specific biochemical tests.

## 2. Choose Correct Collection Method
- **Capillary blood**: Puncture adult fingertip or infant heel/thumb; avoid squeezing to prevent tissue fluid contamination.
- **Venous blood**: Draw from antecubital, wrist, or hand veins using dry syringes or vacuum tubes; inject slowly along tube wall after needle removal.
- **Arterial blood**: Collect from radial, brachial, or femoral artery for blood gas analysis; seal immediately to exclude air and send without delay.

## 3. Apply Proper Anticoagulant
- Use only the correct anticoagulant based on test requirements:
  - **EDTA-K₂** (1–2 mg/mL): Preferred for hematology.
  - **Heparin** (0.1–0.2 mg/mL): Suitable for most chemistry tests except coagulation.
  - **Sodium citrate** (5 mg/mL): Required for coagulation and ESR.
  - **Oxalate** (2 mg/mL): Forms calcium precipitate; limited use.
- Note: Commercial vacuum tubes are pre-dosed—do not add extra anticoagulant.

## 4. Process and Transport Promptly
- Gently invert anticoagulated tubes immediately after draw (typically 5–10 times).
- Deliver to lab ASAP: glucose degrades, lactate rises, CO₂ escapes, and pH shifts occur within minutes.
- Prevent hemolysis by avoiding vigorous shaking, small-gauge needles, or rapid aspiration.
- For microbiology: collect before antibiotics if possible, inoculate culture bottles at bedside, and maintain sterility.

> ⚠️ Never draw blood from an intravenous line. Reject visibly hemolyzed or contaminated specimens for most assays.