Sterile vacuum blood collection tubes for serum determination. Most tubes utilize conventional stopper closures. Tubes with a BD Hemogard* closure incorporate a plastic shield that helps to protect lab personnel from contact with blood on the stopper or around the outer rim of the tube. The rubber stopper of a BD Hemogard closure is recessed inside the plastic shield so any drops left by a blood collection needle remain isolated from potential contact. The shield also protects against blood splattering when opening tube.