When performing a capillary blood draw on an infant, which tubes should be drawn first?

When performing a capillary blood draw on an infant, the lavender tubes should be drawn first because they contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that helps preserve the blood sample for complete blood count (CBC) and other hematology tests. Drawing from the lavender tube first ensures that the blood is properly anticoagulated before moving on to any other tubes that might require different additives or may alter the sample composition.

It's important to prioritize the order of draw to avoid contamination or incorrect results. In this case, if other tubes with different additives were drawn first, they could potentially affect the results of the tests performed on the lavender tube sample. This process is critical, particularly in infants, where blood volume is limited, and accurate testing is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Following the recommended order of draw helps maintain the integrity of the samples and ensures reliable laboratory results.