What Blood Tube Colors Are For Which Test?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Note: When multiple specimens are drawn from a single venipuncture, the following order is recommended: (1)

sterile blood culture tubes

, (2) nonadditive clotting tubes (red), (3) coagulation tubes and tubes containing citrate (blue), (4) gel-barrier tubes and tubes with additives (red), (5) tubes containing heparin ( …

What do the colors of blood test tubes mean?

Each color relates to unique additives that are in the tube.

Red: Contain NO anticoagulants

, used for serum testing. … Gold: Contains a clot activator and special gel to separate serum from the cells. Purple: Contains a clot blocker and are used for complete blood count(CBC). Green & Light Blue: Used for plasma testing.

What blood test goes in what color tube?

The tests each bottle is used for are the same: the

purple one is for cell count

, the yellow one is for electrolytes, albumin and LDH, the grey one is for glucose, and blood culture bottles can be used for fluid cultures.

What does the green tube test for?

STOPPER COLOR CONTENTS USES/COMMENTS Green Sodium heparin(100 USP Units) Ammonia, Lactate, HLA Typing Tan K

2

EDTA Lead levels
Yellow ACD Solution A consists of trisodium citrate, citric acid and dextrose DNA Studies, HIV Cultures Pink (K

2

)EDTA Blood type & Screen, Compatibility Study, Direct Coombs HIV Viral Load

What is the purple top blood test for?

The purple top tube provides blood for

infectious disease tests

and ascertaining important data such as ABO/Rh (blood type), as well as whether the blood is positive or negative for cytomegalovirus (CMV), HIV, hepatitis, and West Nile virus, to name a few.

What color is CBC?

The following tests may be drawn in the same

Lavender (Purple)

top tube: CBC, SED Rate (ESR), Reticulocyte. Draw an extra lavender for each Glycohemoglobin and BNP. EDTA Sodium fluoride (serum tube) For glucose determinations. Oxalate and EDTA anticoagulants will give plasma samples.

What color tube do you use for a CBC?


Lavender top tube

– EDTA

EDTA is the anticoagulant used for most hematology procedures. Its primary use is for the CBC and individual components of the CBC.

What color tube is used for DNA testing?

CONTAINER:

Purple top (EDTA) tube

(preferred). Yellow top (citric acetate) or grey top (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) tube also accepted.

What tests are red top tubes used for?

Red top – Tube without gel separator, used mainly for

serology and chemistry testing

. 10mL Red top tubes are used in Blood Bank for antibody screens.

What is a pink top blood test?

Pink. •

Spray-coated K2EDTA (plastic) 8 For whole blood hematology determinations

. May be used for routine immunohematology testing and blood donor screening.

What color tube is used for lipid panel?


Red-top tube

, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma.

What color tube is for BMP?


Red-top tube or green-top (lithium heparin)

tube is acceptable.

What color tube is used for sedimentation rate?

Whole Blood (EDTA) 5 mL whole blood in a

lavender-top (EDTA) tube

(1.5 mL min). Gently invert tube 8-10 times immediately after drawing to prevent clotting.

What can a blood test tell you?

  • Evaluate how well organs—such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and heart—are working.
  • Diagnose diseases and conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, anemia (uh-NEE-me-eh), and coronary heart disease.
  • Find out whether you have risk factors for heart disease.
  • Check whether medicines you’re taking are working.

What does it mean if your full blood count is abnormal?

Abnormal red blood cell, hemoglobin, or hematocrit levels may indicate

anemia

, iron deficiency, or heart disease. Low white cell count may indicate an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow disorder, or cancer. High white cell count may indicate an infection or reaction to medication.

What blood tests should I get annually?

  • Broad Thyroid Panel. …
  • Essential Nutrients: iron/ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium. …
  • Complete Metabolic Panel and Complete Blood Count. …
  • Metabolic Markers: Hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose and insulin, lipid panel. …
  • Inflammatory markers: hsCRP, homocysteine.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.