What is the first step in the order of draw recommended for blood collection tubes?

The first step in the order of draw for blood collection is to use a blood culture tube. When blood cultures are drawn, it's essential to do this first to minimize the risk of contamination. Blood culture tubes are designed specifically to detect the presence of microorganisms in the blood, and if they are drawn after other tubes, there is a higher chance that bacteria from the skin or other sources could contaminate the sample, leading to false-positive results.

Collecting the blood culture tube first ensures that any potential contaminants from other tubes do not interfere with the culture results. The other tubes, which may contain additives or different types of preservatives for serum, plasma, or anticoagulated blood, should be collected afterward to maintain the integrity of their specific tests. Proper order of draw is crucial for accurate lab results and effective patient management.