What is a secondary tube used for in phlebotomy?

The use of a secondary tube in phlebotomy is primarily to aliquot (divide) samples for additional tests. This process involves taking a portion of the blood sample collected in the primary tube and transferring it to a secondary tube. This is particularly useful when multiple tests need to be performed on a single blood sample, as it allows different laboratory analyses to be conducted without compromising the integrity of the original sample.

By utilizing a secondary tube, phlebotomists can ensure that each aliquot can be treated independently, which helps in preserving the sample for various types of testing and minimizing the risk of contamination or degradation that might occur if the primary sample were divided. This practice not only streamlines the testing process but also maximizes the utility of each sample collected.

Using secondary tubes does not inherently store samples for extended periods, perform immediate testing, or transfer samples to another lab. Each of those functions has specific considerations and protocols associated with them that do not involve the primary purpose of secondary tubes.