What type of needle and system are typically used in blood donation procedures?

In blood donation procedures, the use of a 16-gauge needle and an evacuated tube system is standard. The 16-gauge needle is large enough to facilitate the rapid flow of blood, which is crucial for ensuring that approximately a pint of blood can be collected efficiently within a safe timeframe. The evacuated tube system allows for a sterile collection of blood into pre-measured tubes, which helps maintain the integrity of the sample and simplifies the process of transporting the blood to the lab for testing.

The evacuated tube system is designed to create a vacuum that helps draw blood into the collection tube with minimal risk of hemolysis, thereby preserving the quality of the blood sample. This system also features a variety of tube types that contain different additives for various tests, making it versatile for laboratory needs. The combination of the 16-gauge needle and evacuated tube system thus ensures both the safety of the donor and the accuracy of the testing procedures required after the blood is collected.