Yellow Top Blood Collection Tubes: Common Tests and Uses in Medical Laboratories in the United States

Written By Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Summary

  • Yellow top blood collection tubes are commonly used in medical laboratories in the United States for specific tests.
  • These tubes contain a gel separator which allows for the isolation of serum from the blood sample.
  • Common tests conducted using yellow top tubes include liver function tests, lipid panels, and hormone assays.

Introduction

Medical laboratories play a vital role in the healthcare industry, providing crucial information for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. One common tool used in these labs is the yellow top blood collection tube, which is specifically designed for certain types of tests. In this article, we will explore the specific tests that are typically conducted using a yellow top blood collection tube in medical laboratories in the United States.

Types of Yellow Top Blood Collection Tubes

Yellow top blood collection tubes are part of the Vacutainer system, which is a type of blood collection device commonly used in healthcare settings. These tubes contain a gel separator that separates serum from the blood sample, making it easier for lab technicians to analyze the sample. There are different types of yellow top tubes, each designed for specific types of tests:

Yellow/Black Marble Top Tube

  1. SST (Serum Separator Tube): Contains a gel separator and Clot Activator, used for a wide range of tests including chemistry panels, liver function tests, and hormone assays.

Specialty Yellow Top Tubes

  1. There are also specialty yellow top tubes such as those with gel separators containing different types of additives for specific tests like HIV viral load testing.

Common Tests Conducted Using Yellow Top Tubes

Yellow top blood collection tubes are typically used for tests that require serum separation. Some of the most common tests conducted using these tubes include:

Liver Function Tests

  1. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
  2. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
  3. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
  4. Bilirubin

Lipid Panels

  1. Total Cholesterol
  2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
  3. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
  4. Triglycerides

Hormone Assays

  1. Thyroid Function Tests
  2. Insulin Levels
  3. Testosterone Levels
  4. Estrogen Levels

Conclusion

Yellow top blood collection tubes are an essential tool in medical laboratories in the United States, allowing for the isolation of serum from blood samples for specific tests. These tubes are commonly used for liver function tests, lipid panels, and hormone assays, providing crucial information for patient diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the specific tests conducted using yellow top tubes is vital for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable results for patient care.

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Emily Carter , BS, CPT

Emily Carter is a certified phlebotomist with over 8 years of experience working in clinical laboratories and outpatient care facilities. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, Emily became passionate about promoting best practices in phlebotomy techniques and patient safety. She has contributed to various healthcare blogs and instructional guides, focusing on the nuances of blood collection procedures, equipment selection, and safety standards.

When she's not writing, Emily enjoys mentoring new phlebotomists, helping them develop their skills through hands-on workshops and certifications. Her goal is to empower medical professionals and patients alike with accurate, up-to-date information about phlebotomy practices.

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