How do you centrifuge capillary tubes?

Procedure

1. Fill two capillary tubes approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full with the well-mixed blood sample.
2. Seal the dry end of the capillary tube by placing it into the sealing clay at a 90o angle.
3. Place the capillary tubes in the microhematocrit centrifuge with the sealed end toward the periphery.
4. Centrifuge for five minutes.

What is PCV used for?

This test is used to diagnose or evaluate anaemia (decrease of red blood cells), polycythaemia (increase in red blood cells) or dehydration. The PCV is normally requested as a part of the full blood count (FBC).

How do you get blood out of a capillary tube?

Remove excess blood from the outside of the tube with a clean wipe or gauze pad. Use a downward motion to wipe excess blood from the capillary tube. Use caution not to absorb the blood from the end of the Capillary Tube.

What is the function of the heparin lining the capillary tube?

Glass Micro-Hematocrit Capillary Tubes The tubes are available plain or with an anticoagulant (sodium or ammonium heparin) that keeps the blood from clotting.

How long can a blood collection tube be centrifuged?

All non-gel separator blood collection tubes, including those that contain heparin, EDTA and non-gel serum tubes can be centrifuged at ≤1300 RCF for 10 minutes.

Why are Vacutainer tubes need to be centrifuged?

VACUTAINER tubes containing blood are to be centrifuged with stoppers left in place. Any other tubes containing hazardous substances (i.e., body fluid, urine) must also be capped during centrifugation to prevent the production of biohazardous aerosols. 4. The centrifuge load must be properly balanced.

What happens to red blood cells in a centrifuge?

When heparinized blood (heparin is an anticoagulant) is centrifuged, the red blood cells become packed at the bottom of the tube, while the plasma is left at the top as a clear liquid. The ratio of the volume of packed red cells to the total blood volume is called the hematocrit.

When do you need to centrifuge a plasma sample?

Specimens being processed to yield plasma, like light green and blue top tubes, may be spun immediately after collection and mixing. Centrifuge Promptly It is important to separate the cellular and liquid portions of a blood specimen as soon as possible when the test requires a sample of serum or plasma.