Collection: Blood Collection Tubes & Needles

Blood Collection Tubes and Needles

Evacuated blood collection tubes draw a set volume of blood using a vacuum, and the additive in each tube prepares the sample for a particular type of test. We stock BD Vacutainer and Greiner Bio-One VACUETTE tubes, multi-sample needles, safety needles and tube holders for GP surgeries, private clinics, phlebotomy services and laboratories.

Tube types by cap colour

• Lavender or purple (EDTA): whole blood tests such as a full blood count and HbA1c
• Gold (SST, serum separator): serum chemistry, with a gel barrier that separates serum after centrifuging
• Red or white (plain serum): serum tests where no gel is needed
• Green or light green (lithium heparin, PST): plasma chemistry
• Microtainer tubes: small capillary samples, for example from children

Cap colours can differ between manufacturers, and laboratories set their own requirements, so always check your local laboratory's tube guide and follow its order of draw.

Needles and holders

Multi-sample needles screw into a tube holder so you can fill several tubes from one venepuncture. Safety needles such as the BD Eclipse have a hinged shield that covers the needle after use. For smaller or difficult veins, use a butterfly blood collection set.

Related ranges

See all needles and syringes, the wider injection and infusion range and sharps bins for safe disposal.