4 Common Tests by Tube Free Online FlashCards

What determines the correct collection tube for a test?

Choose a tube based on the required specimen type and additive, not just the test name; confirm the performing laboratory’s instructions.

What is whole blood?

Whole blood contains blood cells that remain in the sample; it is commonly used for cell counts and some blood-bank tests.

Which tube commonly supplies a CBC or HbA1c specimen?

Lavender or purple EDTA tubes usually provide whole blood for a CBC and HbA1c.

What are pink EDTA tubes commonly used for?

Pink EDTA tubes are used for many blood-bank tests, such as type and screen or crossmatch.

Which tube commonly collects specimens for PT/INR and aPTT?

A light-blue sodium citrate tube provides citrated plasma for coagulation tests such as PT/INR and aPTT.

What specimen and tests are commonly associated with a gold SST?

Gold or tiger-top serum separator tubes commonly provide serum for chemistry panels such as BMP, CMP, lipid, and hepatic function panels.

What is a common use of red-top tubes?

Red tubes provide serum for selected chemistry, serology, and reference-laboratory tests.

What specimen does a green heparin tube provide?

Green heparin tubes provide heparinized plasma for chemistry tests when the laboratory accepts plasma, including some routine or STAT testing.

Why is a gray tube commonly used for glucose testing?

Gray tubes commonly contain fluoride with oxalate and are used for glucose testing when glycolysis must be inhibited.

What specimen do blood-culture bottles collect, and for what purpose?

Blood-culture bottles collect whole blood in culture medium to detect microorganisms.

What specimen is used for urinalysis and urine culture?

Urinalysis and urine culture use urine, usually collected in a clean-catch container and transferred to the laboratory’s specified container or tubes.

What is the usual order of draw for common blood tubes?

The usual sequence is blood cultures, light blue/citrate, serum, green/heparin, lavender or pink/EDTA, then gray/fluoride–oxalate.