An appraisal of the "Vacutainer" system for blood collection.

The conventional syringe/needle/container system for the collection and handling of blood samples is compared with the Vacutainer system using evacuated tubes. The relative advantages and disadvantages of both systems are evaluated. The Vacutainer system is quicker and simpler to use, with greater versatility, producing blood specimens of higher quality and at a cost comparable with that by the syringe system. The problems of blood contamination during blood sampling and distribution with both systems are discussed.