Why do we give so much blood?

Why do we give so much blood?

Almost everyone has provided a blood sample at a certain point of life, but ever wondered why so many tubes?

How Blood Samples Are Taken

Using current analytical technologies, several health indicators/analytes can only be obtained from blood and therefore giving a blood sample is inevitable. The collected blood sample needs to be processed almost immediately, otherwise it must be frozen until processed. Usually 4-5 different tubes of blood are withdrawn making the total volume close to 25 mL, which is quite a bit. However, there has not been a blood stabilizing technology that is able to stabilize multiple analytes.

Blood Stabilization Analyte

The table below describes the tubes and additives currently used for processing blood samples. If genetic testing is involved even more blood tubes are needed, one for RNA stabilization, another for cfDNA and may be another for CTCs (in addition to what is shown in the chart).

Tube color	Test
	Chemsitry, Immunology, Chemsitry
	Clotting
	Trace Metals
	Heamatology & Blood Banking
	STAT and Routine Chemsitry

How can the number of tubes needed for blood samples be reduced?

Mawi DNA’s HemaSure whole Blood Stabilization Tube, BST, technology is tackling this issue allowing multiple analytes including DNA, RNA, cfDNA, and CTCs to be tested from as few as 1-2 tubes. While allowing for the samples to be transported at room temperature with up to 14 days transit time.

How it works

• Phlebotomist draw blood to fill the tube
• Gently mix tube 10 times
• Ready to ship at room temperature

Would it be great if you just give 1 or 2 tubes of blood rather than 4-7 tubes?

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures