What should be done if a blood collection tube is cracked or damaged?

When a blood collection tube is cracked or damaged, it is essential to discard it immediately and use an intact tube for collection. This is crucial for several reasons. First, a compromised tube can lead to contamination of the sample, which may affect the accuracy of test results. Blood samples require sterile conditions to avoid introducing external substances that could skew the analysis or lead to incorrect diagnoses.

Moreover, a damaged tube may not create a proper vacuum seal, which is necessary for drawing the correct volume of blood. If the tube is cracked, there's a risk that the sample cannot be properly collected, leading to insufficient or incomplete specimens. Ensuring that only intact and properly sealed tubes are used helps maintain the integrity of the sample and ensures reliable outcomes in laboratory testing.