Anticoagulant that blocks thrombin. Green-top tubes hold lithium or sodium heparin for plasma chemistry; it is also given to patients as a blood thinner.
Routine Blood Collections, question 8The lab rejects a hemolyzed light green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Which handling step at collection most likely caused the hemolysis?
Related terms
anticoagulantPrevents clotting: tube additives like EDTA, citrate and heparin, and blood thinners like warfarin, which…
plasmaThe liquid part of unclotted blood, separated by centrifuging a tube that contains an anticoagulant; it…
thrombinClotting enzyme that turns fibrinogen into fibrin. Orange-top tubes use a thrombin-based clot activator to…
hemoconcentrationRise in cell and protein concentration when plasma water leaves the vein, as with a tourniquet left on too…
hemoglobinIron-based protein packed inside red cells; it picks up oxygen in the lungs, releases it to tissues and…
hemolysisRupture of red cells that releases hemoglobin and potassium into serum or plasma, tinting it pink to red and…
hemostasisThe body's process for stopping bleeding: the vessel narrows, platelets form a plug, then coagulation builds…
hypotensionLow blood pressure. It can make a patient dizzy or faint, so watch closely during and after the draw.
iatrogenic anemiaAnemia caused by medical care, such as repeated blood draws; collect only the volume needed, especially from…
inversionGently turning a filled additive tube upside down and back, the number of times the manufacturer specifies…