CTAD tubes

Coagulation and CTAD tubes are used for examination of coagulation parameters. Coagulation tubes contain a buffered sodium citrate solution, available with a citrate concentration of 0.109 mol/l (3.2%). The mixing ratio is: 1 part citrate solution to 9 parts blood. In addition to buffered sodium citrate, CTAD tubes contain theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamol.

Sandwich tube:
A polypropylene tube is put in a PET-tube. Polypropylene is chemically inert and has aPTT and PTT values that are preciser than with glass tubes (almost no impact of trombocytes).

All tubes have a paper label.

In addition to the sodium citrate solution, the CTAD tube also contains theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole. The latter three substances prevent platelet activation. The "stabilisation" of platelets by CTAD prevents platelet factors entering the plasma and falsifying the test results. CTAD tubes should be used for investigations for which the release of platelet factors must be avoided under all circumstances during the period between the blood being taken and the test being performed.