Understanding the Common Additives in Different Colored Tubes for Blood Collection in the United States

Summary

• There are a variety of additives found in different colored tubes used for blood collection in the United States.
• These additives serve specific purposes such as preventing blood clotting, stabilizing samples, and preserving blood for testing.
• Understanding the purpose of each additive and the tubes they are found in is essential for accurate and reliable Test Results in healthcare settings.

Introduction

When you go for blood collection at a clinical lab or hospital in the United States, you may have noticed that the phlebotomist uses different colored tubes to collect your blood. These tubes are not just for aesthetic purposes; they serve a specific function in preserving and preparing the blood sample for various laboratory tests. Each tube color corresponds to a specific additive that helps in maintaining the integrity of the blood sample. In this article, we will explore the common additives found in the different colored tubes used for blood collection in the United States.

Additives in Different Colored Tubes

Red or Gold

1. The red or gold-colored tubes are typically used for collecting serum samples.
2. The additive found in these tubes is a Clot Activator, which helps the blood to clot faster by releasing thrombin.
3. Clot activators are essential for tests that require serum separation, such as chemistry panels, hormone tests, and serology tests.

Light Blue

1. Light blue tubes contain Sodium Citrate, which is an Anticoagulant that binds to calcium in the blood to prevent clotting.
2. These tubes are commonly used for coagulation tests, such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and APTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time).
3. Sodium Citrate preserves the blood sample by chelating calcium ions, allowing for accurate Test Results.

Purple or Lavender

1. Purple or lavender-colored tubes contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is a powerful Anticoagulant that binds to calcium and metal ions in the blood.
2. EDTA is used for hematological tests, CBC (complete blood count), and blood bank tests.
3. It preserves the blood sample by preventing clotting and maintaining cell morphology for accurate analysis.

Green

1. Green tubes contain Heparin, which is an Anticoagulant that inhibits the action of thrombin in the blood.
2. Heparin is used for tests such as chemistry panels, arterial blood gases, and some Therapeutic Drug Monitoring.
3. It prevents clotting by inhibiting the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in the blood sample.

Gray

1. Gray tubes contain Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate, which are anticoagulants and preservatives for glucose testing.
2. Sodium Fluoride inhibits the action of enzymes that break down glucose, while Potassium Oxalate prevents clotting.
3. These tubes are used for glucose testing, such as Fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance tests.

Conclusion

Understanding the common additives found in the different colored tubes used for blood collection in the United States is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. Each additive serves a specific purpose in preserving the blood sample and preparing it for various laboratory tests. By following the proper protocols and using the correct tubes with the appropriate additives, Healthcare Providers can ensure the quality and integrity of the blood samples collected from patients.

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