BD 367960 - Tube BC Vacutainer PST 3mL 13x75mm Lithium Heparin with Polymer Gel, 100/BX, 10 BX/CA

BD 367960 - Tube BC Vacutainer PST 3mL 13x75mm Lithium Heparin with Polymer Gel, 100/BX, 10 BX/CA

The BD 367960 PST Tube is a Plasma Separation Tube (PST) designed to simplify blood sample collection and processing in medical laboratories. It features lithium heparin as an anticoagulant and a polymer gel that acts as a physical barrier between plasma and blood cells during centrifugation. The tube is commonly used for biochemical and immunological testing that requires plasma, offering efficient and reliable sample separation for diagnostics.

Product Overview and Design Features

• Material: The tube is made from plastic, which provides durability while reducing breakage risks associated with glass tubes.
• Tube Size: The 13 x 75 mm size offers compact storage and ease of handling during collection and testing.
• Draw Volume: The tube is designed for a 3.0 mL blood draw, making it ideal for routine blood tests.
• Closure: The tube is equipped with a Hemo paper label and features a secure cap for easy identification and safe handling.
• Additive: Contains lithium heparin (56 USP units) as the anticoagulant, which prevents blood clotting and is widely used for plasma testing. Additionally, it includes a polymer gel for plasma separation during centrifugation.

The polymer gel settles between the plasma and the blood cells, creating a barrier that allows for quick, clean plasma extraction without contamination from cells or debris. This makes the BD 367960 PST Tube especially useful for testing plasma chemistry, electrolytes, or therapeutic drug levels.

Intended Use in Medical Settings

The BD 367960 PST Tube is used in clinical laboratories for blood tests that require plasma. This tube is especially suited for:

• Biochemistry and Immunology Testing: Commonly used for tests that measure substances such as electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones.
• Plasma-Based Diagnostics: The plasma separation feature ensures clean, uncontaminated samples for various plasma-based assays, such as liver function tests and glucose monitoring.
• Point-of-Care Testing: This tube is frequently used in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and labs that require quick plasma separation for rapid testing.

Benefits for healthcare professionals:

• Efficient Plasma Separation: The polymer gel quickly separates plasma from blood cells after centrifugation, reducing turnaround time for lab results.
• Anticoagulation with Lithium Heparin: The lithium heparin additive ensures that the sample remains unclotted, preserving plasma for accurate test results.
• Convenient and Durable: The plastic construction is lightweight and reduces the risk of breakage, making it safer to handle compared to glass alternatives.

Certifications, Safety Standards, and Regulatory Approvals

• FDA Approved: The BD 367960 PST Tube is cleared by the FDA for use in clinical laboratories.
• ISO Certified: The product meets ISO 6710 standards for single-use containers for human venous blood specimen collection.
• Latex-Free: It is free of latex, making it suitable for use with patients who have latex sensitivities.

Comparison with Other Market Products

Unique Features:

• Polymer Gel Separation: Unlike some competitors, the BD 367960 includes a gel that facilitates easy plasma separation, making it highly efficient for plasma-based testing.
• Standardized Size: The 13 x 75 mm size is a common format, ensuring compatibility with most centrifuge machines and lab equipment.

Common User Profile and Typical Scenarios

The BD 367960 PST Tube is primarily used by:

• Phlebotomists and Lab Technicians: Those responsible for drawing and processing blood samples rely on the efficiency of this tube for plasma separation and handling.
• Hospital and Clinical Laboratory Staff: These professionals use the tube for routine plasma tests, including chemistry panels and electrolyte monitoring.
• Point-of-Care Testing Teams: The tubes efficiency in plasma separation makes it ideal for rapid testing in critical care settings, where quick diagnostics are needed.

Typical scenarios include:

• Routine Blood Testing: Commonly used in outpatient and inpatient settings for routine plasma tests.
• Electrolyte and Chemistry Panels: The tube is frequently used for tests that assess the levels of electrolytes, liver enzymes, and glucose in the blood.
• Urgent Plasma Testing: Ideal for use in settings where plasma results are required quickly, such as emergency rooms and urgent care centers.

Best Practices for Using and Maintaining the Product

To ensure safe and effective use of the BD 367960 PST Tube, follow these best practices:

• Proper Mixing: After blood collection, gently invert the tube 810 times to mix the blood with the lithium heparin additive, ensuring proper anticoagulation.
• Centrifuge After Collection: For optimal plasma separation, place the tube in a centrifuge according to your laboratorys protocol. The polymer gel will settle to form a barrier between plasma and blood cells.
• Store Samples Correctly: If plasma samples need to be stored after collection, follow the recommended storage guidelines for plasma specimens, ensuring the integrity of the sample is maintained for testing.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Ensure that the tube is labeled accurately and handled with care to avoid any cross-contamination between samples.

By adhering to these best practices, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate plasma-based testing with the BD 367960 PST Tube, delivering reliable results in a range of clinical diagnostics scenarios.