Understanding the Common Tube Colors Used in Phlebotomy

Summary

• Understanding the common tube colors used in phlebotomy is essential for accurate lab Test Results in the United States.
• Different tube colors correspond to specific types of lab tests, helping healthcare professionals to properly collect and handle blood samples.
• By familiarizing ourselves with these color codes, we can ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment.

Introduction

Phlebotomy, the process of drawing blood for laboratory testing, is a vital aspect of healthcare in the United States. When collecting blood samples, healthcare professionals use different colored tubes to ensure that the samples are processed correctly for specific types of lab tests. Understanding the color codes of these tubes is crucial for accurate Test Results and patient care.

Common Tube Colors Used in Phlebotomy

1. Red or Gold

Red or gold-colored tubes are commonly used for collecting serum samples. These tubes typically do not contain any additives, making them suitable for tests that require serum or blood clotting. Some examples of lab tests that use red or gold tubes include:

1. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
2. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
3. Liver function tests (LFTs)

2. Lavender

Lavender-colored tubes are used for collecting whole blood samples with the Anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The EDTA helps prevent blood clotting, making lavender tubes ideal for hematology tests that require whole blood samples. Some common lab tests that use lavender tubes include:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Sedimentation rate (ESR)
3. Hemoglobin A1c

3. Light Blue

Light blue-colored tubes contain Sodium Citrate, which is an Anticoagulant used for coagulation studies. These tubes are essential for tests that measure blood clotting factors. Common lab tests that use light blue tubes include:

1. Prothrombin Time (PT)
2. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)
3. D-dimer

4. Green

Green-colored tubes typically contain the Anticoagulant Heparin, which inhibits the clotting of blood samples. These tubes are commonly used for plasma determinations in chemistry tests. Some examples of lab tests that use green tubes include:

1. Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
2. Arterial blood gases (ABGs)
3. Carboxyhemoglobin

5. Gray

Gray-colored tubes are used for tests that require glucose preservation. These tubes contain Sodium Fluoride, which prevents the breakdown of glucose in the blood sample. Common lab tests that use gray tubes include:

1. Glucose tolerance test
2. Lactic acid
3. Alcohol

Conclusion

Understanding the common tube colors used in phlebotomy for specific types of lab tests is essential for accurate Test Results and optimal patient care in the United States. By familiarizing ourselves with the color codes of these tubes, healthcare professionals can ensure that blood samples are collected and handled correctly, leading to precise diagnoses and appropriate treatment plans for patients.

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