Lavender Top Tubes: Materials, Advantages, and Why They are Purple
Summary
- Lavender Top tubes are commonly used in medical laboratories for blood collection and storage.
- These tubes are typically made from materials such as glass or plastic, with the most common being glass.
- The purple color of the tubes helps to protect light-sensitive analytes from degradation during storage.
Introduction
Lavender Top tubes are a common sight in medical laboratories around the world. These tubes are used for blood collection and storage, particularly for tests that require plasma or whole blood samples. But have you ever wondered what materials are used to make these essential tubes? In this article, we will explore the typical materials used to manufacture Lavender Top tubes and why they are chosen for this important task.
Glass
Glass is one of the most common materials used to make Lavender Top tubes. These tubes are typically made from borosilicate glass, which is known for its durability and chemical resistance. Borosilicate glass is capable of withstanding high temperatures and is less prone to chemical leaching compared to other types of glass. This makes it an ideal choice for storing blood samples and ensuring that the integrity of the sample is maintained during storage.
Advantages of Glass Lavender Top Tubes
- Chemically resistant
- Durable
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Less prone to leaching
Disadvantages of Glass Lavender Top Tubes
- Can break if mishandled
- Heavier than plastic tubes
Plastic
While glass is the most common material used for Lavender Top tubes, plastic tubes are also sometimes used. Plastic tubes are typically made from polypropylene, which is a lightweight and durable material. Polypropylene is also chemical resistant, making it suitable for storing blood samples and other biological fluids. However, plastic tubes may not be as durable as glass tubes and are more prone to breaking under certain conditions.
Advantages of Plastic Lavender Top Tubes
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Chemically resistant
- Less prone to breakage than glass
Disadvantages of Plastic Lavender Top Tubes
- Not as durable as glass
- May not withstand high temperatures
Why Are Lavender Top Tubes Purple?
One distinctive feature of Lavender Top tubes is their purple color. But why are these tubes purple? The purple color of Lavender Top tubes serves a practical purpose in the laboratory setting. The purple color helps to protect light-sensitive analytes from degradation during storage. Certain blood tests, such as those that measure vitamin B12 levels, are sensitive to light and can degrade if exposed to light for prolonged periods. By using purple tubes, laboratories can ensure that light-sensitive analytes are protected from degradation and provide accurate Test Results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lavender Top tubes are an essential tool in medical laboratories for blood collection and storage. These tubes are typically made from materials such as glass or plastic, with the most common being glass. The purple color of the tubes serves a practical purpose in protecting light-sensitive analytes from degradation during storage. Whether made from glass or plastic, Lavender Top tubes play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable Test Results in the laboratory setting.
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