China Grey Rubber Stoppers for Blood Collection Tubes Factory

In modern medical and laboratory settings, precision and reliability are essential, especially when it comes to blood collection and sample preservation. One critical component that ensures the integrity of blood samples is the grey rubber stopper for blood collection tubes. While often overlooked, this small but essential part plays a crucial role in maintaining sample quality, preventing contamination, and ensuring accurate diagnostic results.

The grey rubber stopper for blood collection tubes is designed to seal vacuum tubes used in blood sample collection. It is typically made from high-quality rubber materials that provide:

Airtight sealing to prevent contamination and sample degradation.

Chemical resistance to withstand additives and preservatives inside the tube.

Flexibility and durability to allow easy needle insertion while maintaining integrity.

Grey rubber stoppers are commonly used in tubes containing sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which are additives that help preserve blood samples for glucose testing. The unique properties of these stoppers ensure that collected blood remains stable and suitable for analysis.

2. Functions of Grey Rubber Stoppers in Blood Collection

2.1 Maintaining a Sterile Environment

One of the important functions of the grey rubber stopper for blood collection tubes is maintaining sterility. Since blood samples are highly sensitive, exposure to external contaminants can inaccurate test results or sample degradation. The airtight seal created by the stopper:

Prevents microbial contamination from the external environment.

Ensures that blood samples remain uncompromised during storage and transportation.

Maintains vacuum integrity, allowing for precise blood collection.

By preserving the sterility of the tube, grey rubber stoppers play a key role in ensuring the reliability of laboratory tests.

2.2 Preventing Sample Leakage

Blood collection tubes contain biological fluids that need to be securely stored. The grey rubber stopper acts as a secure seal, preventing leakage and spills during:

Transport from collection sites to laboratories.

Storage in refrigerators or sample holding areas.

Handling by laboratory personnel.

This function is critical for maintaining safety and exposure risks to healthcare workers and laboratory staff.

2.3 Allowing Controlled Needle Penetration

During blood collection, healthcare professionals use vacuum blood collection systems, which require the needle to penetrate the rubber stopper to draw blood into the tube. The grey rubber stopper is specially designed to:

Allow smooth penetration of the needle without breaking or tearing.

Maintain an airtight seal even after multiple punctures.

Prevent vacuum loss, ensuring the correct volume of blood is drawn.

This controlled penetration mechanism is essential for consistent and accurate blood collection in clinical settings.

2.4 Preserving Blood Sample Integrity

The grey rubber stopper for blood collection tubes plays a significant role in preserving the stability of the blood sample. Many blood collection tubes with grey stoppers contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which:

Inhibit glycolysis (the breakdown of glucose in the blood), ensuring accurate glucose level readings.

Prevent clotting, allowing for proper analysis of plasma samples.

Enhance sample longevity, ensuring the blood remains stable for laboratory testing.

This function is particularly important for diabetes screening and glucose tolerance tests, where accurate glucose measurement is essential for diagnosis.

3. Materials and Design of Grey Rubber Stoppers

The grey rubber stopper is crafted from medical-grade materials, ensuring it meets the safety and performance standards. These materials include:

Butyl rubber–Known for its airtight sealing and chemical resistance.

Silicone-coated rubber–Reduces friction, allowing smoother needle penetration.

Synthetic elastomers–Improve durability and flexibility.

The design of the grey rubber stopper includes:

A self-healing property that reseals after needle penetration, maintaining vacuum pressure.

A precisely engineered shape to fit securely onto blood collection tubes.

A chemical-resistant composition that ensures it does not react with the sample inside.

These features make the grey rubber stopper highly effective for medical applications.