Specimen containers

Blood samples

Information for blood tube type can be found for individual tests in the A-Z.

You can also view the BD Tube Guide.

The vacutainer system is used in Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Please aim to fill specimen tubes completely.

Paediatric bottles are available for collecting smaller volume samples from children, including blood cultures (single bottle instead of two).

Never pour blood from one specimen container to another because transfer of inappropriate additives will cause misleading results.

If you have any queries, please contact us before collection.