The Types of Medical Sample Collection Bottles

Blood Collection Tubes (Vacutainers):

Purpose: Blood collection tubes, commonly known as vacutainers, are designed to collect and store blood samples for diagnostic purposes.

Types: There are several types of blood collection tubes, each color-coded to indicate the presence of specific additives:

Red top tubes: Used for serum collection, typically without additives.

Lavender top tubes: Contain an anticoagulant (EDTA) and are used for hematology tests.

Green top tubes: Contain heparin and are used for plasma separation.

Blue top tubes: Contain sodium citrate and are used for coagulation tests.

Gray top tubes: May contain anticoagulants or preservatives and are used for glucose or alcohol testing.

Features: Vacutainers feature a vacuum-sealed system that draws a precise volume of blood into the tube when a needle is inserted into the patient's vein. This ensures standardized sample volumes and minimizes the risk of contamination.

Urine Collection Containers:

Purpose: Urine collection containers are used to collect urine samples for urinalysis, which aids in the diagnosis of various urinary tract and metabolic conditions.

Types: These containers come in various sizes, ranging from small cups for routine urinalysis to larger, sterile containers for more extensive testing. Some may have integrated lids with built-in funnels for easy sample collection.

Features: Many urine collection containers have secure screw caps to prevent leakage and minimize the risk of contamination. Some containers also come with temperature strips to monitor the sample's temperature, which can be important for certain diagnostic tests.

Sputum Collection Cups:

Purpose: Sputum collection cups are designed to collect sputum and other respiratory specimens for analysis. They are crucial in diagnosing respiratory infections and lung diseases.

Features: Sputum collection cups often feature leak-proof lids and are designed to prevent the inhalation of fumes or aerosols during collection. They may also come with instructions for proper specimen collection.

Stool Collection Containers:

Purpose: Stool collection containers are used to collect fecal specimens for various diagnostic tests, including stool cultures, occult blood tests, and parasitological examinations.

Types: Stool containers may vary in size, with some designed for single-use collections and others for multiple samples over a specified period. Some may also include integrated applicators for easy sample transfer to diagnostic devices.

Features: Proper sealing and airtight lids are essential features of stool collection containers to prevent odor and contamination. Some containers may have built-in scoops or spatulas for collecting and transferring the sample.

Specimen Collection Swabs:

Purpose: While not traditional bottles, specimen collection swabs are an essential component of the sample collection process. These swabs are often used to collect samples from the throat, nasal passages, or other body surfaces for various diagnostic tests, including COVID-19 testing.

Types: Specimen collection swabs can vary in design, with some having a dry cotton or foam tip for dry swabbing, and others having a pre-moistened tip for wet swabbing.

Features: Swabs are typically packaged individually to maintain sterility. They come with a transport medium that preserves the collected sample for analysis.