Why Are Heparinized Capillary Tubes Used?

Capillary tubes for microhaematocrits are used for the centrifugation of blood samples. ... The heparinized coating delays the clotting of the blood. The heparinization is applied as a thin, homogenous coating on the tube. This enhances the immediate dissolving of the heparin in the blood and prevents agglutination.

What is the difference between heparinized and non heparinized capillary tubes?

Heparinized tubes are red coded, and non-heparinized are blue coded. DWK micro-hematocrit tubes are used to measure the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood. Heparinized tubes are red coded, and non-heparinized are blue coded.

When would you use a heparinized capillary tube for performing Microhematocrit?

If capillary blood is to be used, heparinized capillary tubes should be used for the collection of the capillary blood and centrifuged soon after collection. Fill two capillary tubes approximately 2/3 to 3/4 full with the well-mixed blood sample.