Glucose tube with sodium fluoride and sodium EDTA Grey Box of 50

Becton Dickinson

Capillary blood collection tube

BD Microtainer sodium fluoride / sodium EDTA capillary blood collection tube, grey cap (box of 50)

In Vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device in accordance with EU Directive 98/79/EC (and corresponding UK/EU regulatory frameworks).
Manufactured under an appropriate quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485) as applied by BD to its blood collection devices.
Colour coding and additive conventions aligned with BD Vacutainer blood collection tube standards.

In Vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device in accordance with EU Directive 98/79/EC (and corresponding UK/EU regulatory frameworks).
Manufactured under an appropriate quality management system for medical devices (e.g. ISO 13485) as applied by BD to its blood collection devices.
Colour coding and additive conventions aligned with BD Vacutainer blood collection tube standards.

BD Microtainer sodium fluoride / sodium EDTA capillary blood collection tube, grey cap (box of 50)

Description

BD Microtainer glucose tubes with sodium fluoride and sodium EDTA (grey cap) are plastic capillary blood collection tubes designed for the collection, transport and storage of small blood specimens obtained by skin puncture. Containing a dry mixture of sodium fluoride and disodium EDTA, they are used primarily for glucose determinations and other in-vitro diagnostic tests requiring glycolysis inhibition and plasma preservation. The tubes feature the BD Microgard safety closure with an integrated collection scoop and improved mixing characteristics, helping to ensure correct additive–blood ratio and substantially reducing blood splashing when the tube is opened. They are particularly suitable for infants, small children, geriatric and critical-care patients where venous sampling is difficult, and are supplied in boxes of 50 tubes.

Bnefits

Designed for reliable collection, transport and storage of small capillary blood samples obtained by skin puncture.
Sodium fluoride and disodium EDTA additive mixture inhibits glycolysis and preserves glucose levels for accurate laboratory measurement.
Particularly useful for infants, small children, geriatric and critical-care patients where venous access is challenging.
BD Microgard safety closure reduces blood splashing on opening and improves user safety.
Integrated collection scoop and wider tube diameter support easy capillary collection and efficient mixing.
Clearly marked fill lines help achieve the correct blood volume and additive ratio for valid test results.
Colour coding (grey closure and code) harmonised with BD Vacutainer tubes for intuitive additive identification.
Plastic tube construction (polypropylene with HDPE closure) reduces breakage risk compared to glass tubes.

Indications

Collection of capillary or small venous blood samples for glucose determinations.
Capillary blood sampling for in-vitro diagnostic tests requiring sodium fluoride / Na2EDTA preservative.
Use in paediatric, geriatric and critically ill patients where venous sampling is difficult or when only a small sample volume is required.
Settings where capillary sampling from skin puncture (e.g. heelstick, fingerstick) is preferred over venepuncture.

Composition

Tube material: polypropylene (PP) plastic tube.
Closure material: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) BD Microgard safety closure, grey colour.
Additives (dry powder): sodium fluoride and disodium EDTA in a total quantity between approximately 1.665 mg and 2.835 mg per tube.
Intended additive action: sodium fluoride as a glycolysis inhibitor and disodium EDTA as an anticoagulant and calcium chelator.

Formulation

Single-use, non-sterile capillary blood collection tube for in-vitro diagnostic use.
Tube size approximately 10 × 45 mm, maximum fill volume around 600 µL with fill lines for 400 µL and 600 µL.
Grey BD Microgard closure providing a secure seal and reduced risk of blood splashing on opening.
Colour coding consistent with BD’s venous glucose tubes containing fluoride/EDTA (grey).

Packaging

Box containing 50 BD Microtainer glucose tubes with sodium fluoride and sodium EDTA (grey cap).
Tubes are typically supplied in bags of 50; multiple bags may be combined into an outer shipping carton at wholesaler level.
Outer packaging is labelled with product description, additive, cap colour, lot number and expiry date.

Usage

For in-vitro diagnostic use only; not for direct infusion or therapeutic administration.
Collect capillary blood via approved skin puncture technique (e.g. heelstick or fingerstick) following local procedures.
Use the integrated collection scoop and tube opening to guide blood into the tube until the fill line (typically 400–600 µL) is reached to maintain the correct additive-to-blood ratio.
Immediately after collection, securely close the BD Microgard cap and gently invert the tube several times to ensure complete mixing of blood with sodium fluoride and sodium EDTA.
Avoid vigorous shaking, which may cause hemolysis; follow local laboratory guidelines for the number of recommended inversions.
Label the tube clearly with patient identification, collection time and other required data.
Transport and store the specimen under conditions specified by the laboratory for glucose and related tests (e.g. timely processing and appropriate temperature).
Dispose of used tubes as clinical waste in accordance with local regulations and infection-prevention policies.
Do not reuse; tubes are intended for single use only.

Contraindications

Not for direct clinical treatment or infusion; intended solely for collection and preservation of blood specimens for in-vitro diagnostic examination.
Do not use if the tube or closure is visibly damaged, cracked, leaking or if the additive appears missing or compromised.
Do not use if packaging is opened or compromised before intended use, or if the product is past its expiry date.
Use with caution in patients where skin puncture or capillary sampling is contraindicated according to clinical judgement (e.g. certain circulatory disorders or local skin infections at the intended puncture site).

Adverse Effects

As with any skin puncture, minor pain, bleeding, bruising or local infection may occur at the puncture site if skin preparation or aftercare is inadequate.
Improper filling (underfilling or overfilling) may lead to incorrect blood-to-additive ratio, potentially affecting test results.
Excessive or vigorous mixing/shaking can cause hemolysis, which may interfere with certain laboratory measurements.
Inappropriate handling, opening technique or disposal may increase the risk of blood exposure or biohazard to staff.

Storage Conditions

Store at room temperature in a dry environment, within the temperature and humidity limits specified on the packaging (typically ambient laboratory conditions).
Keep in the original packaging until use to protect tubes from dust, contamination and mechanical damage.
Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight or sources of heat that could degrade the plastic or additives.
Observe the shelf life printed on the packaging; typical shelf life for BD Microtainer tubes is on the order of 15–18 months from manufacture.
Rotate stock so that older lots are used first (first-expiry-first-out).

Duration

Not applicable \u2013 this is a diagnostic blood collection device, used momentarily during sampling; the specimen retention period is determined by laboratory protocols.

Onset

Immediate preservative effect on contact with the collected blood, inhibiting glycolysis and anticoagulating the sample for subsequent in-vitro analysis.