Light Green and Dark Green Blood Collection Tubes: Additives and Test Compatibility for Accurate Results

Summary

• Light green and dark green blood collection tubes are commonly used in laboratory phlebotomy practice in the United States.
• The main differences between the two types of tubes lie in the additives they contain and their compatibility with different types of tests.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for patient care.

Introduction

In the field of laboratory phlebotomy practice, blood collection tubes play a crucial role in the accurate and reliable testing of patient specimens. Two commonly used types of blood collection tubes in the United States are light green and dark green tubes. These tubes contain different additives and are designed for specific types of tests. In this article, we will explore the differences between light green and dark green blood collection tubes in terms of additives and test compatibility.

Light Green Blood Collection Tubes

Additives

Light green blood collection tubes, also known as PST tubes (Plasma Separator Tube), contain the following additives:

1. Lithium Heparin: This additive prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting the action of thrombin and other clotting factors.
2. Gel separator: The gel separator in light green tubes helps to separate the serum or plasma from the cellular components of the blood after centrifugation.

Test Compatibility

Light green blood collection tubes are commonly used for the following types of tests:

1. Chemistry panels: These tubes are ideal for tests such as electrolytes, liver function tests, and kidney function tests.
2. Drug Level Monitoring: Light green tubes are often used for Drug Level Monitoring tests, as they provide serum or plasma samples for accurate results.

Dark Green Blood Collection Tubes

Additives

Dark green blood collection tubes, also known as PST-Gel tubes, contain the following additives:

1. Lithium Heparin: Similar to light green tubes, dark green tubes also contain lithium Heparin to prevent blood clotting.
2. Gel separator: Dark green tubes have a gel separator that performs the same function of separating serum or plasma from cellular components.
3. Anticoagulant: In addition to lithium Heparin, dark green tubes may also contain an Anticoagulant such as EDTA or Sodium Fluoride for specific tests.

Test Compatibility

Dark green blood collection tubes are typically used for the following types of tests:

1. Special chemistry tests: These tubes are suitable for tests that require plasma samples, such as glucose tolerance tests and lactate tests.
2. Coagulation studies: Dark green tubes are often used for coagulation studies that require plasma samples for testing clotting factors and platelet function.

Key Differences between Light Green and Dark Green Tubes

The main differences between light green and dark green blood collection tubes can be summarized as follows:

1. Light green tubes are primarily used for chemistry panels and Drug Level Monitoring tests, while dark green tubes are more suitable for special chemistry tests and coagulation studies.
2. Dark green tubes may contain additional anticoagulants such as EDTA or Sodium Fluoride, which are not found in light green tubes.
3. Both types of tubes utilize a gel separator for separating serum or plasma from cellular components, but the specific use of each type is based on the additives they contain and the tests they are compatible with.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the differences between light green and dark green blood collection tubes is essential for healthcare professionals working in laboratory phlebotomy practice. The additives contained in each type of tube and their compatibility with specific tests play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable Test Results for patient care. By utilizing the appropriate blood collection tubes based on the type of test being conducted, Healthcare Providers can enhance the quality of care provided to patients and contribute to better health outcomes.

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