Blood Collection Systems for Professional Use
Blood collection in human medicine is performed either for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, such as obtaining a blood count or conducting a blood gas analysis. During diagnostic blood collection, a defined volume of blood is drawn using a syringe or a specialised blood collection tube. These tubes are treated with specific additives to prepare the blood for subsequent testing. Depending on whether the analysis requires serum, plasma, or whole blood, the sample may need additives such as citrate or EDTA.
Aspiration and Vacuum Systems for Blood Collection
There are two main types of blood collection systems: the aspiration system and the vacuum system. The most well-known representatives are the Monovette (aspiration system) and the Vacutainer (vacuum system). Both systems allow for rapid and clean blood collection and are suitable for use in adults and children alike.
Performing a Venous Blood Collection
After preparing the required materials—gloves, (butterfly) needle, swabs, tourniquet, disinfectant, collection tubes, collection equipment, and plasters—and disinfecting your hands, you can proceed with the blood draw.
- Tourniquet application – place the tourniquet approximately 7.5 cm above the intended puncture site
- Select the puncture site – commonly the V. cephalica or V. mediana cubiti
- Disinfect the puncture site – follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the disinfectant used
- Gloves – put on at this stage if not already worn
- Prepare the collection equipment – e.g., attach the holder to the needle
- Venipuncture – ensure the needle opening faces upwards during insertion
- Release the tourniquet – as soon as the first blood enters the tube
- Mix tubes if necessary – tubes containing additives such as EDTA should be gently inverted according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- End the collection – place a swab on the needle without applying pressure; after removing the needle, apply pressure to the puncture site with the swab
- Disposal – dispose of the needle and contaminated materials in the designated sharps container
- Care for the puncture site – cover the site with a plaster or bandage and instruct the patient to maintain pressure for 3–5 minutes
Warning: To avoid contamination from additives in different tubes, always follow the correct order. EDTA tubes should be collected after serum or heparin tubes. If using a butterfly needle to collect only a citrate tube, first discard a tube with a neutral additive to ensure correct filling.
Therapeutic Blood Collection: Phlebotomy
Therapeutic blood collection, also known as phlebotomy, is used for patients with conditions such as haemochromatosis, polycythaemia, or polyglobulia. This procedure typically uses specialised phlebotomy equipment and a vacuum bottle to collect the blood, which is then safely disposed of.
Blood Collection Systems and Accessories in a Wide Selection
In our blood collection category, you will find a comprehensive range of blood collection systems and accessories from renowned manufacturers at competitive prices. This includes the Sarstedt Monovette system, the BD Vacutainer system, blood sedimentation stands, capillaries and blood collection needles, blood collection tubes, as well as phlebotomy kits and vacuum bottles. The appropriate tourniquet is also available to facilitate puncture procedures.
To reduce the risk of infection during blood collection, our online shop also offers a variety of disinfectants for preparing the puncture site, as well as products for hand hygiene in clinics and hospitals.
If you have questions about our blood collection systems or require advice on related products, our customer service team is happy to assist. Contact us by phone, email, or use our convenient live chat.
Editors: Susanne Birk & Anne-Cathrine Fadler