BD Microtainer™ Tubes with Microgard™ Closure K2EDTA 250–500µL

BD Microtainer™ Tubes with Microgard™ Closure K2EDTA 250–500µL

Becton Dickinson

In vitro diagnostic device – capillary blood collection tube
  • CE Marked in vitro diagnostic medical device (CE IVD) in applicable regions.
  • Manufactured under an ISO 13485 Compliant quality management system for medical devices.
  • Designed and labelled in accordance with relevant standards for blood collection tubes, including requirements on tube identification, additives and fill marking.
  • Produced by BD, a global medical technology company operating under corporate environmental and quality standards (e.g. ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 at relevant sites).
K2EDTA capillary blood collection microtube with Microgard\u2122 safety closure (lavender cap)

Description

BD Microtainer™ K2EDTA tubes with Microgard™ closure (catalogue number 365975) are single-use, non-sterile, plastic microcollection tubes designed for the collection, transport and processing of small capillary or venous blood samples obtained by skin puncture. Each lavender-capped tube contains K2EDTA anticoagulant and is intended for hematology and blood profile analysis when only 250–500µL of blood is required. The wider 8 mm internal-diameter polypropylene tube incorporates visible fill lines to help maintain the correct blood-to-additive ratio, and uses the BD Microgard™ safety closure with an integrated collection scoop to simplify collection and mixing while substantially reducing blood splashes upon opening. The tubes are colour coded in line with BD Vacutainer® venous blood collection tubes and are particularly suited for infants, children, geriatric and critical-care patients where venous sampling or larger volumes may be difficult.

Bnefits

  • Designed specifically for collection, transport and storage of small-volume capillary blood samples (250–500µL), minimising patient blood loss.
  • K2EDTA anticoagulant ensures preservation of whole blood for hematology and blood profile analysis when the recommended fill range is respected.
  • Wider internal diameter (approx. 8 mm) and integrated collection scoop help blood flow easily into the tube and improve mixing, supporting high-quality specimens.
  • BD Microgard™ safety closure substantially reduces the risk of blood splatter when opening the tube, helping to protect healthcare workers from exposure.
  • Clearly marked fill lines assist users in achieving the correct blood-to-additive ratio for reliable and reproducible laboratory test results.
  • Colour-coded lavender closure matches standard BD Vacutainer® coding, supporting easy additive identification and consistent pre-analytical workflows.
  • Unbreakable polypropylene construction reduces the risk of breakage compared with glass microtubes, enhancing safety in clinical and laboratory environments.
  • Compatible with BD Microtainer® tube extenders so tubes can be used in standard 13 mm × 75 mm racks and many automated laboratory workflows.
  • Supplied as a box of 200 tubes, suitable for routine use in hospitals, laboratories, GP practices and aesthetic/dermatology clinics that perform capillary sampling.

Indications

  • Collection, transport and processing of capillary blood specimens obtained via skin puncture for hematology testing (e.g. complete blood count) where K2EDTA anticoagulant is indicated.
  • Collection of small-volume venous blood samples into K2EDTA when venous access is possible but only a limited sample volume is required.
  • Use in pediatric, neonatal, geriatric and critically ill patients from whom standard-volume venous blood samples may be difficult or inappropriate to obtain.
  • Capillary blood sampling in outpatient, GP, community, laboratory and point-of-care settings where microcollection tubes are preferred.
  • Use in aesthetic and dermatology practice where small EDTA blood volumes are required (for example, laboratory hematology monitoring alongside aesthetic procedures).

Composition

  • Tube material: medical-grade polypropylene microtube designed for capillary blood collection.
  • Closure material: BD Microgard™ safety closure made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with integrated collection scoop and twist-assist design.
  • Additive: K2EDTA (dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) anticoagulant in a quantity appropriate for a 250–500µL fill volume, for hematology and blood profile analysis.
  • Approximate tube size: microcollection tube designed for ~250–500µL capacity (10 mm outer diameter microtube form factor).
  • Non-sterile, single-use construction for in vitro diagnostic use only (not intended for injection or infusion).
  • Printed labelling (on relevant packaged variants) includes lot number, expiry date and fill marks to support identification and traceability.

Formulation

  • K2EDTA capillary blood collection microtube with BD Microgard™ safety closure, lavender colour-coded cap, polypropylene tube, capacity 250–500µL, non-sterile, single-use, in vitro diagnostic device.

Packaging

  • Medisave sales unit: box of 200 BD Microtainer™ K2EDTA tubes with Microgard™ closure (SKU/REF 365975).
  • Manufacturer master pack configuration: typically 50 tubes per inner pack, 4 inners per case (50/200 format) for a total of 200 tubes per case.
  • Each tube supplied with an attached BD Microgard™ safety closure and printed fill lines; many supply-chain packs include lot number and expiry on outer carton.
  • Outer case and inner packaging labelled with BD Microtainer® branding, catalogue number 365975, K2EDTA additive, lavender cap, Microgard™ closure and CE IVD marking (in applicable regions).

Usage

  • Verify that the tube additive and closure colour (lavender, K2EDTA) are appropriate for the requested tests before collection.
  • Prepare the puncture site and perform capillary skin puncture (e.g. heel, finger, or other approved site) according to institutional and CLSI guidelines.
  • Allow the first drop of blood to be wiped away if required by local protocol, then use the integrated collection scoop on the Microgard™ closure to guide subsequent drops into the tube.
  • Fill the tube so that the blood level is within the marked fill lines (between approximately 250 and 500µL) to ensure the correct blood-to-anticoagulant ratio.
  • Immediately after filling, gently invert the tube several times (following local hematology guidelines, commonly 8–10 gentle inversions) to mix blood with the K2EDTA and prevent clotting.
  • Label the tube with patient identifiers and other required information; a tube extender may be fitted if necessary for use in 13 mm × 75 mm racks and for attaching longer labels.
  • Transport and store the sample under appropriate conditions and time limits for hematology testing according to local laboratory procedures.
  • Do not freeze or excessively heat the filled tube; avoid vigorous shaking, which may cause hemolysis.
  • Single use only: do not reuse tubes. Dispose of used tubes as biohazardous waste in accordance with local regulations and institutional policies.

Contraindications

  • Not intended for collection of blood for tests incompatible with K2EDTA anticoagulant (e.g. certain coagulation or chemistry assays where EDTA is known to interfere).
  • Do not use if packaging is damaged, if tubes appear cracked, deformed or contaminated, or if the expiry date has passed.
  • Not for direct injection or infusion into patients; for in vitro diagnostic use only.
  • Use only for recommended fill range (250–500µL); significant underfilling or overfilling can lead to incorrect blood-to-additive ratios and potentially unreliable test results.
  • Not intended for layperson self-testing; use only by trained healthcare professionals.

Adverse Effects

  • Improper filling or mixing can lead to sample clotting, potentially causing invalid test results and the need for sample recollection.
  • Excessive blood-to-additive ratio (due to underfilling) may alter certain hematology parameters and affect clinical interpretation.
  • As with all blood collection, there is a risk of sample leakage or breakage if the tube is mishandled, though risk is reduced by the unbreakable plastic construction.
  • Potential occupational exposure to blood if the Microgard™ closure is opened improperly or if standard biosafety procedures are not followed.

Storage Conditions

  • Store empty tubes in their original packaging until use, in a clean, dry location.
  • Maintain at room temperature as recommended for BD Microtainer® tubes; avoid extreme temperatures, freezing, and excessive heat.
  • Protect from direct sunlight and sources of ozone or chemicals that might degrade plastic materials or closure performance.
  • Do not use tubes beyond the manufacturer’s indicated expiry date.
  • Keep out of reach of unauthorised persons; handle and dispose of used tubes as biohazardous waste.

Duration

Onset

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