Understanding the Color Coding System of Blood Collection Tubes in Medical Laboratories
Summary
- There are several common blood collection tube colors used in medical laboratories for different types of tests.
- Each color tube is specifically designed for certain tests to ensure accurate results.
- Understanding the color coding system of blood collection tubes is essential for healthcare professionals to properly collect and handle blood samples.
Introduction
In medical laboratories, blood collection tubes come in various colors, each indicating the type of additives or coagulants present in the tube. These color-coded tubes are designed to ensure accurate testing results by preventing interference from other substances. Understanding the significance of each color tube is crucial for healthcare professionals to properly collect and handle blood samples. This article will explore the most common blood collection tube colors used in medical laboratories and the tests typically performed with each color.
Red Blood Collection Tubes
Red blood collection tubes are typically used for collecting serum samples. These tubes do not contain any additives or anticoagulants, allowing the blood to clot before centrifugation. The clot is then separated from the liquid serum, which can be used for various tests such as:
- Chemistry tests
- Lipid panel
- Hormone levels
Light Blue Blood Collection Tubes
Light blue blood collection tubes are used for coagulation studies, specifically to test the blood's Clotting Time. These tubes contain Sodium Citrate, which acts as an Anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting. Common tests performed with light blue tubes include:
- Prothrombin Time (PT)
- Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
- D-Dimer
Gold or Tiger Top Blood Collection Tubes
Gold or tiger top blood collection tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, contain a gel separator and Clot Activator. The gel separator helps in the rapid separation of serum from the blood cells. These tubes are commonly used for tests such as:
- Basic metabolic panel
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Liver function tests
Lavender Blood Collection Tubes
Lavender blood collection tubes are used for collecting whole blood samples for hematology tests. These tubes contain ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant, which helps preserve blood cell morphology. Tests that are typically performed with lavender tubes include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Platelet count
- Sickle cell screening
Green Blood Collection Tubes
Green blood collection tubes, also known as Heparin tubes, contain lithium or sodium Heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin prevents blood clotting by inhibiting thrombin formation. These tubes are commonly used for tests such as:
- Plasma glucose
- Ammonia levels
- Some Therapeutic Drug Monitoring tests
Gray Blood Collection Tubes
Gray blood collection tubes are used for tests that require blood samples to be collected for glucose levels. These tubes contain an Anticoagulant and a preservative to prevent the breakdown of glucose in the blood sample. Common tests performed with gray tubes include:
- Glucose tolerance test
- Lactate levels
- Alcohol levels
Conclusion
Understanding the various blood collection tube colors and their corresponding tests is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable laboratory results. Healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about the color coding system to correctly select the appropriate tubes for specific tests. By following the proper procedures for blood collection and handling, Healthcare Providers can improve patient care and diagnostic outcomes.
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