BD Vacutainer® Plasma tubes contain Lithium Heparin and are used to obtain a plasma sample. The tubes are available in a range of sizes in both plastic and glass and can be identified by a green cap. The concentration of the Lithium Heparin additive in BD Vacutainer® Plasma tubes is 17 International Units of Heparin/mL of blood. The additive in the Plus tube is is spray coated on the inner wall. Heparin acts as an anticoagulant by creating a complex with antithrombin III. This complex inhibits thrombin and the activated factor X and thus prevents coagulation. BD Vacutainer® Heparin tubes can be centrifuged immediately after collection.

• Mixing recommendation: plasma tubes should be gently inverted 180° and back 8-10 times
• Centrifugation instructions: ≤1300g for 10 minutes at 25°C room temperature