1 Blood Collection Tubes and Specimen Basics Free Online FlashCards

What should determine tube selection?

Choose the tube by the test’s required additive and specimen type, not by cap color alone; colors and additives can vary.

What is the key collection requirement for a light-blue citrate tube?

Light-blue tubes contain sodium citrate for coagulation tests. Fill to the indicated volume to maintain the correct blood-to-additive ratio.

What specimen do red tubes commonly provide?

Red tubes may contain no additive or a clot activator. They are used to collect serum for many tests; check the tube type and laboratory instructions.

What is the purpose of the gel in a gold or tiger-top SST tube?

Gold or tiger-top SST tubes contain clot activator and separator gel. Allow the blood to clot as directed before centrifugation.

Why is a lithium-heparin tube generally unsuitable for a lithium measurement?

Green tubes commonly contain heparin for selected chemistry tests. A lithium-containing tube is generally unsuitable for measuring lithium.

Which common test uses whole blood collected in a lavender EDTA tube?

Lavender or purple tubes commonly contain EDTA and are used for whole-blood hematology tests such as a CBC.

What is a common use of a pink EDTA tube?

Pink EDTA tubes are commonly used for blood-bank testing, including blood type and antibody screening.

What is a common use of a gray collection tube?

Gray tubes commonly contain sodium fluoride with potassium oxalate. They are used for selected glucose tests; formulations and requirements vary.

What is serum?

Serum is the liquid remaining after blood clots and the clot is removed.

What is plasma?

Plasma is the liquid portion of anticoagulated blood, separated from the blood cells.

What does a whole-blood specimen contain?

Whole blood contains both blood cells and liquid. It is commonly used for a CBC in an EDTA tube.

What is the common order of draw after blood cultures?

A commonly used sequence is cultures, citrate, serum, heparin, EDTA, then gray tubes. Follow local guidance for special tubes and procedures.