White Top Tube (PPT): Plasma Preparation Tube for Molecular & Specialize Testing

Top 10 Laboratory Tests That Use White Top Tube

1. HIV Viral Load Test – for monitoring HIV infection progression.
2. Hepatitis C Viral RNA Test – to detect and measure HCV RNA levels.
3. HBV DNA Quantification – for hepatitis B virus monitoring.
4. CMV Viral Load Test – to check cytomegalovirus activity.
5. EBV Viral Load Test – for Epstein-Barr virus detection.
6. Parvovirus B19 DNA Test – detects parvovirus infections.
7. BK Virus PCR – commonly used in transplant patients.
8. SARS-CoV-2 PCR (COVID-19) – RNA-based viral detection.
9. HCV Genotyping – determines type of hepatitis C infection.
10. HIV Genotyping/Resistance Testing – guides antiretroviral therapy.

Best Practices for Using White Top Tube in Phlebotomy

• Verify patient identity and label tube prior to collection.
• Use proper venipuncture technique to avoid hemolysis.
• Fill tube to the indicated fill line to maintain blood-to-additive ratio.
• Gently invert 8–10 times to mix anticoagulant thoroughly.
• Centrifuge within recommended time to ensure plasma separation.
• Store plasma according to laboratory requirements (refrigerated or frozen).

10 Step-by-Step Guide to Proper White Top Tube Usage

1. Gather all required supplies including PPT tube.
2. Verify patient identity with two identifiers.
3. Prepare venipuncture site with alcohol swab, allow to air dry.
4. Perform venipuncture and attach tube securely.
5. Fill tube completely to the fill mark.
6. Gently invert 8–10 times to mix EDTA anticoagulant.
7. Centrifuge promptly at recommended speed and duration.
8. Verify gel barrier is intact and plasma is clear.
9. Label and transport sample as per protocol.
10. Store plasma appropriately until analysis.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underfilling tube – alters blood-to-additive ratio.
2. Delayed centrifugation – leads to nucleic acid degradation.
3. Hemolysis – may interfere with molecular results.
4. Inadequate mixing – causes microclots and poor separation.
5. Improper storage – plasma integrity compromised.
6. Using wrong tube – may cause false results in molecular tests.
7. Mislabeling – critical for infectious disease testing accuracy.

5 Innovations and Advances in Plasma Preparation Tubes

1. Improved gel barrier formulations to enhance plasma purity.
2. Tubes designed for faster centrifugation with shorter spin times.
3. Leak-resistant caps to prevent biohazard exposure.
4. Compatibility with automated pre-analytical processing systems.
5. Microtubes for pediatric and low-volume plasma collections.

FAQs: White Top Tube

1. What is the White Top Tube used for?
It is primarily used for plasma collection for molecular testing, such as viral load monitoring and PCR-based assays.

2. Why is EDTA used in this tube?
EDTA prevents clotting and preserves nucleic acids for molecular analysis.

3. How soon should the tube be centrifuged?
Ideally within 2 hours of collection to ensure plasma stability.

4. Can plasma be frozen?
Yes, plasma can be stored frozen if not tested immediately, following laboratory protocols.

5. What happens if the tube is not mixed after collection?
Clotting may occur, leading to sample rejection.

Drlogy Blood Cllection Tube Guide

Here are 14 types of blood colelction tubes with color.

Conclusion

The White Top Tube (PPT) is a critical tool for laboratories performing molecular diagnostics and viral load testing. Its combination of EDTA anticoagulant and gel barrier ensures that plasma remains uncontaminated, stable, and suitable for sensitive assays. Proper collection, timely centrifugation, and correct storage are essential for obtaining accurate and reliable molecular test results.

Check Complete Guide on Drlogy Blood Collection Tubes with Color Codes & Uses to master phlebotomy techniques, improve sample handling, and reduce pre-analytical errors