Dark Green Top Tubes: Common Laboratory Tests and Procedures in the United States
Summary
- Dark Green Top tubes are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures in the United States
- These tubes are used for specific laboratory tests that require plasma or whole blood samples
- Some of the common tests performed using Dark Green Top tubes include chemistry panels and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Introduction
Phlebotomy procedures play a vital role in the healthcare system, as they involve the collection of blood samples for laboratory testing. Different colored tubes are used in these procedures to collect blood samples for specific types of tests. One common tube color used in phlebotomy procedures is the Dark Green Top tube, which is typically used for specific laboratory tests. In this article, we will discuss the specific laboratory tests that are typically performed using a Dark Green Top tube in phlebotomy procedures in the United States.
Tests Performed Using Dark Green Top Tubes
Dark Green Top tubes, also known as Heparin tubes, contain lithium Heparin as an anticoagulant. These tubes are primarily used for plasma or whole blood samples that require anticoagulation. Some of the common laboratory tests that are typically performed using Dark Green Top tubes include:
1. Chemistry Panels
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This panel includes tests such as glucose, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and liver function markers.
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): This panel includes tests such as glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers.
- Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These tests include markers such as ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin to assess liver health.
- Renal Function Tests: These include tests such as BUN and creatinine to assess kidney function.
2. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring involves measuring drug levels in the blood to ensure that patients are receiving the correct dosage of medications. Some common drugs that are monitored using Dark Green Top tubes include:
- Digoxin: Used to treat heart conditions
- Lithium: Used to treat bipolar disorder
- Phenytoin: Used to treat seizures
- Cyclosporine: Used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients
3. Hormone Testing
Some hormone tests also require blood samples collected in Dark Green Top tubes. These tests measure the levels of hormones such as:
- Cortisol: A stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands
- Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone
- Estrogen: The primary female sex hormone
Conclusion
Dark Green Top tubes are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures in the United States for specific laboratory tests that require plasma or whole blood samples. These tubes are used for a variety of tests, including chemistry panels, Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, and hormone testing. Understanding the specific tests that are typically performed using Dark Green Top tubes is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for patient care.
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