A brief history of blood collection systems and devices
Before the modern vacuum tube, blood collection tubes and other devices were difficult and imprecise. Etched lines in borosilicate glass tubes reflected the amount of blood the phlebotomist needed to collect.

Using a disposable venous blood collection needle, the phlebotomist would puncture a vein and direct the blood into the glass tube that contained ETDA or citrate as additives to prevent blood coagulation. Black rubber stoppers were used to seal the tubes for transportation to the laboratory.

Sanitation was also an issue because tubes and syringes were washed between patients.