Performance Comparison of Two Different Branded Blood Collection Tubes Used in Biochemistry Laboratory

Background and Aims: Blood collection tubes (BCT) with gel separators are diagnostic devices that can affect all laboratory processes. In this study, the aim was to compare the performance of a new brand of BCT with the sample tubes that are well-known and widely used in the market. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 50 healthy volunteers to two brands of BCTs (KWS and BD Vacutainer SST II Advance) by providing standard conditions. The nine most requested test parameters were determined and analyzed simultaneously. The results were analyzed using the SPSS 21 software. Results: There was no significant difference in the results of most tests of the new brand tubes compared to the Becton-Dickinson brand tube, and the bias calculated for the tests except calcium and potassium was detected to be lower than the desirable bias. Conclusion: It was determined that the test parameters analyzed in both tubes were in statistical agreement. The percentage of bias value of calcium and potassium tests in KWS branded tubes is higher than the desired value. In addition, constant and proportional errors were determined for the calcium test. These test parameters should be analyzed in larger patient groups. Therefore, KWS tubes can be accepted for routine laboratory operations.