Understanding the Common Blood Tube Colors in Phlebotomy: Essential Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Summary

• Understanding the common blood tube colors used in phlebotomy is essential for healthcare professionals
• Each tube color corresponds to specific tests that are processed in clinical labs
• Proper labeling and handling of blood tubes is critical to ensure accurate Test Results

Introduction

Phlebotomy, the process of drawing blood from patients for diagnostic testing, is a crucial component of healthcare. Phlebotomists use various color-coded tubes to collect blood samples, with each tube color corresponding to different tests processed in clinical laboratories. Understanding the common blood tube colors and the tests processed from each tube is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for patient care.

Common Blood Tube Colors and Associated Tests

Below is a list of common blood tube colors used in phlebotomy and the tests typically processed from each tube color:

1. Red Tube (No Additive)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Chemistry tests such as glucose, electrolytes, cholesterol
   2. Serology tests

2. Gold/SST (Serum Separator Tube)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
   2. Complete metabolic panel (CMP)
   3. Lipid panel
   4. Liver function tests (LFTs)

3. Light Blue Tube (Sodium Citrate)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Coagulation studies such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)

4. Lavender Tube (EDTA)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Complete blood count (CBC)
   2. Blood typing
   3. Sickle cell screening

5. Green Tube (Heparin)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
   2. Thyroid function tests

6. Gray Tube (Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride)

1. Common Tests:
   1. Glucose testing (Fasting blood sugar)

Proper Handling of Blood Tubes

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to label blood tubes correctly with patient information, time of collection, and type of test. Proper handling and transportation of blood tubes to the laboratory are also important to prevent specimen contamination or clotting, which can compromise Test Results.

Conclusion

Understanding the common blood tube colors used in phlebotomy and the tests processed from each tube color is essential for healthcare professionals in providing quality patient care. Proper labeling and handling of blood tubes are critical steps to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for diagnosis and treatment.



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