Understanding the Specific Tests Associated with Each Blood Collection Tube Color in the United States

Summary

  • Understanding the specific tests associated with each blood collection tube color is crucial in the medical lab and phlebotomy setting in the United States.
  • Different colored tubes are used to collect blood samples for specific tests, ensuring accurate results and diagnosis.
  • Knowing the correlation between blood tube colors and tests can improve patient care and streamline laboratory processes.

Introduction

In healthcare settings, blood collection tubes come in various colors, each serving a specific purpose in the laboratory. Phlebotomists and medical laboratory professionals must understand the correlation between tube colors and the tests they are used for to ensure accurate and reliable results. In this article, we will explore the different blood collection tube colors used in the United States and the specific tests associated with each.

Red Blood Collection Tubes

Red blood collection tubes are common in medical labs and are typically used for collecting serum specimens. The test commonly associated with red tubes includes:

  1. Complete blood count (CBC)
  2. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
  3. Lipid panel

Light Blue Blood Collection Tubes

Light blue blood collection tubes contain a Clot Activator and are used for coagulation studies. The specific tests associated with light blue tubes are:

  1. Prothrombin Time (PT)
  2. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
  3. D-dimer assay

Green Blood Collection Tubes

Green blood collection tubes contain Heparin, an Anticoagulant used for plasma determinations. The tests commonly performed using green tubes include:

  1. Plasma glucose levels
  2. Arterial blood gases (ABG)
  3. Electrolyte panel

Lavender Blood Collection Tubes

Lavender blood collection tubes contain EDTA, an Anticoagulant that preserves blood cell morphology. The tests typically associated with lavender tubes include:

  1. Complete blood count with differential (CBC with diff)
  2. Peripheral blood smear
  3. Sedimentation rate

Gray Blood Collection Tubes

Gray blood collection tubes contain additives that inhibit glycolysis and are used for glucose testing. The specific tests associated with gray tubes include:

  1. Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
  2. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
  3. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C)

Yellow Blood Collection Tubes

Yellow blood collection tubes are used for light-sensitive tests and contain a special yellow additive. The tests commonly associated with yellow tubes include:

  1. Bilirubin levels
  2. Vitamin D levels
  3. Carotenoids

Conclusion

Understanding the specific tests associated with each blood collection tube color is essential in the medical lab and phlebotomy setting in the United States. By knowing which tests are performed using different colored tubes, healthcare professionals can ensure accurate results, proper diagnosis, and effective patient care. Being knowledgeable about the correlation between blood tube colors and tests can also streamline laboratory processes, leading to better efficiency and quality of healthcare services.

a-female-phlebotomist-carefully-insert-the-blood-collection-needle

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