Exploring the Importance of Blood Collection Tubes in Laboratory Testing

Summary

• Blood collection tubes are essential tools in the medical laboratory setting for routine and emergency testing.
• The most commonly used blood collection tubes in the United States include the Red Top tube, Lavender Top tube, and green top tube.
• Understanding the differences between these tubes and their intended uses is crucial for accurate and reliable laboratory results.

Introduction

In the field of medical laboratory science, blood collection tubes are critical components for obtaining and processing blood samples for various laboratory tests. These tubes come in different colors and are designed to be used for specific types of tests to ensure accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will explore the most commonly used blood collection tubes for routine and emergency testing in the United States and discuss their unique features and applications.

Red Top Tube

The Red Top tube, also known as the serum tube, is one of the most commonly used blood collection tubes in the United States. This tube has no additives and is used for collecting blood samples for serum separation. The serum obtained after centrifugation can be used for a wide range of tests, including chemistry, serology, and blood bank testing. Some key points about the Red Top tube include:

1. It is typically used for routine chemistry tests such as Blood Glucose, cholesterol, and liver function tests.
2. The absence of additives in the tube allows for the collection of clear, non-coagulated serum samples.
3. After collection, the tube is allowed to clot for 30 minutes before centrifugation to separate the serum from the clotted blood cells.

Lavender Top Tube

The Lavender Top tube, also known as the EDTA tube, is another commonly used blood collection tube in the United States. This tube contains EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) as an Anticoagulant and is used for collecting whole blood samples for hematological tests. The EDTA in the tube helps preserve the morphology of blood cells and prevents clotting. Some key points about the Lavender Top tube include:

1. It is typically used for complete blood count (CBC), blood smears, and blood typing tests.
2. The Lavender Top tube is essential for cell morphology studies as the EDTA helps maintain the integrity of blood cells.
3. Blood samples collected in Lavender Top tubes must be gently inverted to ensure proper mixing of the Anticoagulant with the blood.

Green Top Tube

The green top tube, also known as the Heparin tube, is commonly used for collecting blood samples for plasma separation. This tube contains lithium Heparin as an Anticoagulant and is used for tests that require plasma rather than serum. The green top tube is particularly useful for tests that require whole blood to be immediately centrifuged and analyzed. Some key points about the green top tube include:

1. It is typically used for chemistry tests that require plasma samples, such as electrolytes and Drug Level Monitoring.
2. Lithium Heparin in the tube prevents the clotting of blood and allows for the rapid separation of plasma from blood cells.
3. Plasma samples collected in green top tubes should be centrifuged immediately to prevent plasma from becoming hemolyzed.

Other Blood Collection Tubes

In addition to the red, lavender, and green top tubes, there are several other blood collection tubes commonly used in the United States for specific tests and applications. Some of these tubes include:

1. Gray top tube: Used for glucose testing and contains potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride as additives.
2. Blue top tube: Used for coagulation studies and contains Sodium Citrate as an anticoagulant.
3. Yellow top tube: Used for DNA testing and contains a preservative to prevent degradation of DNA.

Conclusion

Overall, understanding the different types of blood collection tubes and their intended uses is essential for ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory results in the medical laboratory setting. The red, lavender, and green top tubes are among the most commonly used tubes in the United States for routine and emergency testing. By utilizing the appropriate tube for each type of test, laboratory professionals can maintain the quality and integrity of blood samples, ultimately leading to better patient care and outcomes.

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