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:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
- 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:
- Prothrombin Time (PT)
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
- 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:
- Plasma glucose levels
- Arterial blood gases (ABG)
- 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:
- Complete blood count with differential (CBC with diff)
- Peripheral blood smear
- 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:
- Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
- 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:
- Bilirubin levels
- Vitamin D levels
- 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.
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