Available in lithium heparin and sodium heparin.

The anticoagulant heparin activates antithrombin, which blocks the clotting cascade and thus produces a whole blood/plasma sample.

Lithium heparin has no interference with all ion detection during testing, including sodium ion.

The separation gel separates the plasma from the blood cells during centrifugation, preventing contamination of the plasma.

Immediately after draw, gently invert the tube 8-10 times in order to activate adequate anticoagulant.

Centrifugation: 1800-2200g for 8-15 minutes at 18-25°C.

Plasma Chemistry Tests: Heparin prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin

Emergency & Point-of-Care Testing (POCT): STAT chemistry panels (fast results for critical care), or Glucose testing (if processed immediately, unlike gray-top NaF tubes).

Hematology: Toxicology/drug level monitoring

Flow cytometry (cell surface marker analysis).