blood samples that must be light protected

I was just doing a little research last night on getting labs drawn and discovered that I had some info on which blood samples need to be light protected.  This info comes from the WLS Vitagarten Lab Tracker Workbook, by Andrea (who used to post here a lot but hasn't been around in a while).  I don't actually use the book for tracking my labs because I have a spreadsheet I think is easier for that, but it's full of really good info.  (and if you're interested, you can get a copy at wlsvitagarten.com)

Anyway, according to Andrea, blood samples for B1 (thiamine), B6, B12 and vitamin A need to be light protected.  They should have amber-colored tubes, or cover the tubes in foil, or have little sleeves that slide over the tubes.  I'm not sure if these would be in four different tubes, though, or if some of these tests can be done from a blood sample in the same tube.

I am pretty sure, though, that sometimes when I've had labs done they have not light protected stuff that was supposed to be protected.  Which can affect the results, of course.  So I will be watching for this Tuesday when I go to get my labs done!

 They have to have labels.
There is also a whole list of foods you can't eat just prior to testing..did you find that info?

Not a list of foods, no.  I know some labs should be done fasting and I have that info.

 No carrots or cantaloupe 24 hours before. Effects Vit D.

 When I had my pre-op labs done, there was 2 tubes wrapped in foil. I wondered why!

You are so proactive about your own health, Kelly! I think that is great. I am a hospital RN   and can vouch for the fact that healthcare workers don't always know everything or remember certain details, especially if they are a new employee. It's always good to ask questions. You may end up educating them! When I draw labs and I am not familiar with them, I will call the lab to clarify which tubes to use.

About the tourniquet, I believe that leaving it on too long can cause cells to hemolyze 
(break open), affecting results. Once they get a flash of blood in the tube, they should be able to release the tourniquet. Of course, I only work w/babies, so it may be different w/adults. Another medical person here could maybe elaborate.

I'm a RN and work in a NICU.  We turn off the phototherapy lights when we draw blood for bilirubins.

Yes, we do that, too, ShebasMom. Where I work, it's actually a Level II Nursery...there are some things we don't do, like keep a baby on a vent, but we would do CPAP. I love working with the babies, but I think it would be hard for me to work in a NICU, with the micro-premies.

There are other tests that are required to be protected from light ammonia is one of them.  Depending on the lab method the different color tubes have different additives in them that can also affect the results and therefore need to be collected in a different tube.  You should also be aware that there is a certain order that the tubes need to be collected in so that the additives of one tube doesn't interfere with those of the next.  Sometimes they can run them all on the same tube of blood and sometime they will need several tubes.  There are also volume requirements for running a large number of tests.  I have been out of a general lab for almost 10 years and I know things have changed since then.

 Thanks for the info, Kelly.  I know they only light protected one tube, but -- as you said -- they may be using the blood from that vial for multiple tests.  I am not even sure which B vitamins (if any) my surgeon checks for.  Guess I should look at the sheet I just got...

Lora