How should tubes be mixed after filling?

When it comes to mixing tubes after filling, gentle inversion is the correct technique. This method involves turning the tube upside down and then right side up several times, usually about 5-10, depending on the specific requirements for the tubes based on their color-coded tops. The purpose of this gentle inversion is to mix the blood specimen with any additives present in the tube without causing hemolysis, which can occur from excessive shaking or agitation.

Each color-coded tube contains different additives (like anticoagulants or gels) that require proper mixing to ensure accurate test results. Gentle inversion distributes the additive throughout the blood sample, maintaining the integrity of both the sample and the reagents. This process is crucial for tests that depend on the precise ratios of blood to additive to function correctly.