Types of Blood Collection Tubes

 

Types of Blood Collection Tubes

1. Red Top Tubes - these are used to collect blood in a serum form, typically for routine chemistry tests and blood group typing.

2. Lavender Top Tubes - these are used for tests related to blood clotting, such as a PT/INR and coagulation studies.

3. Green Top Tubes - used to collect sodium heparin as an anticoagulant to prevent the blood from clotting. It is mainly used to collect samples for hematologic tests and transfusions.

4. Grey Top Tubes - also known as EDTA tubes, which are used to draw blood for routine hematology tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and diff (differential).

5. Yellow Top Tubes - containing the preservative, sodium polyanethole sulfonate, these are used for tests related to glucose or cholesterol levels.

6. Royal Blue Tops – these tubes are used for chemistry tests, such as albumin levels, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and urine outputs.

7. Pink Top Tubes - used for tests related to potassium levels, platelet function and HIV screening/studies.

8. White Top Tubes -these are used to collect a large volume of blood for tests including blood typing and donor testing for blood transfusions.