High Danger: Doctor Lab Panda Warns Blood Sample Tubes Used as Childrens Toys

"Doctor Lab Panda" issued a warning after discovering "blood sample tubes" being used as children's toys, emphasizing that medical devices should remain in hospitals only.

On 17 Feb 2026, the Facebook pageDoctor Lab Pandaposted a message stating, "Oh no, who took blood collection tubes to make children's toys? The tube shown is a Heparin tube (green cap). Normally in hospitals, we use this tube to collect blood samples. Inside, the tube is coated with a substance called Lithium Heparin. This substance acts as an anticoagulant. When medical technicians spin it for testing, it separates the blood layers, giving us plasma to use for tests.

It's mostly used for clinical chemistry tests, such as liver and kidney function, blood electrolytes, or blood sugar levels. If these tubes are used as children's toys (why would anyone do that?), potential harm includes

• chemical residue. Although the tube appears empty, it contains Lithium Heparin. If a child puts it in their mouth, sucks, or chews it, these chemicals enter their body. While the amount per tube is small, children's bodies are much more sensitive to chemicals than adults.
• We have no idea where these tubes came from, whether they are truly clean, or if they are discarded tubes contaminated with pathogens.
• These tubes are made from plastic or glass designed for lab use, not to withstand biting or being thrown by children. If they break, they can cause cuts to hands, mouths, or even choking hazards.
• Most importantly, this can cause dangerous misunderstandings. If children get used to blood collection tubes as toys, later they may pick up used tubes contaminated with HIV, hepatitis, or other diseases thinking they are toys like at home. Medical equipment should stay in hospitals only."

Thanks to Doctor Lab Panda's Facebook page.