Common Colors of Blood Collection Tubes in Phlebotomy: Red, Lavender, Light Blue, Green, and Grey

Summary

• Blood collection tubes are color-coded based on the additives they contain for various laboratory tests.
• Common colors of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy include red, lavender, light blue, green, and grey.
• Each color tube serves a specific purpose and contains additives such as anticoagulants, clot activators, or gel separators to facilitate accurate testing results.

Introduction

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients for laboratory testing. Blood collection tubes play a crucial role in this process as they contain additives that help preserve the blood sample and provide accurate Test Results. These tubes are color-coded for easy identification and each color corresponds to a specific additive. In this article, we will explore the common colors of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy and discuss the additives they contain.

Common Colors of Blood Collection Tubes

There are several common colors of blood collection tubes used in phlebotomy, each serving a specific purpose. The color-coding helps lab technicians quickly identify the tube needed for a particular test. Here are some of the most commonly used colors:

1. Red

1. Commonly used for routine blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests.
2. Contains no additives or anticoagulants, making it suitable for serum separation.
3. The red-top tube may also contain a Clot Activator to promote blood coagulation.

2. Lavender

1. Typically used for hematology tests like complete blood count (CBC) and blood cell differential.
2. Contains the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to prevent blood clotting.
3. EDTA helps preserve blood cell morphology and is essential for accurate hematology testing.

3. Light Blue

1. Primarily used for coagulation studies, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT).
2. Contains Sodium Citrate, an Anticoagulant that binds calcium and prevents blood clotting.
3. Proper blood-to-additive ratio is crucial for accurate coagulation testing results.

4. Green

1. Often used for blood chemistry tests, such as comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and liver function tests.
2. Contains the Anticoagulant lithium Heparin or sodium Heparin to prevent blood clotting.
3. Heparin inhibits thrombin formation and is essential for accurate plasma testing.

5. Grey

1. Commonly used for glucose testing and blood alcohol level analysis.
2. Contains Sodium Fluoride as a preservative to inhibit glycolysis and stabilize glucose levels.
3. The grey-top tube may also contain Potassium Oxalate as an anticoagulant.

Conclusion

Color-coded blood collection tubes play a vital role in phlebotomy and laboratory testing. Understanding the common colors and additives of these tubes is essential for Healthcare Providers to collect accurate blood samples and obtain reliable Test Results. By utilizing the appropriate blood collection tubes based on color and additive content, healthcare professionals can ensure quality patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

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