This week, we're examining serum tubes—plain red tops and gold serum separator tubes (SST)—and discovering why these tubes must be drawn before tubes containing EDTA, heparin, or other anticoagulants
Shanise Keith,
January 20, 2026
Inaccurate potassium results can't be fixed, only prevented.
Dennis Ernst,
October 08, 2021
Authors consider non-compliance rate "very acceptable"
Dennis Ernst,
August 11, 2021
Proper design, regulated speeds critical in PTS system designs
Dennis Ernst,
August 02, 2021
Are your samples baking in the summer sun?
Researchers recently found when blood samples for diagnostic laboratory testing are stored in outdoor lockbox, the results may not be valid.
Dennis Ernst,
July 19, 2021
Knowing how to prevent fainting during a phlebotomy procedure is critical
When a patient passes out during a venipuncture procedure, this post details exactly what to do and what not to do.
Dennis Ernst,
July 19, 2021
An expensive practice without many benefits.
Dennis Ernst,
July 07, 2021
Do you label at the patient’s side without fail?
This Phlebotomy Today blog post reinforces the importance of labeling every filled blood collection tube after the draw and before leaving the patient.
Dennis Ernst,
July 01, 2021
Are they appropriate? Are they safe?
Dennis Ernst,
June 25, 2021
What do you do when the patient expresses shooting pain?
Dennis Ernst,
June 24, 2021
