Additives In Light Green And Dark Green Top Tubes: A Comparison Of Blood Collection Tubes And Their Impact On Laboratory Testing
Summary
- Light green and Dark Green Top tubes both contain additives to facilitate blood collection and processing
- Additives in light green tubes primarily include lithium Heparin and gel separators, while dark green tubes contain sodium Heparin and a Clot Activator
- The choice of tube color and additive combination depends on the specific tests being carried out and the laboratory's preferences
Introduction
When it comes to blood collection tubes, healthcare professionals are familiar with the different colors used to indicate the type of additive present in the tube. One common distinction is between light green and Dark Green Top tubes, which are often used for various laboratory tests. But is there a difference in the additives used in these two types of tubes? In this article, we will explore the additives typically found in light green and Dark Green Top tubes and discuss how they impact blood collection and testing.
Light Green Top Tubes
Light Green Top tubes, also known as PST tubes, contain additives that help preserve the integrity of the blood sample and facilitate processing in the laboratory. The primary additive found in light green tubes is lithium Heparin, a substance that prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the activity of thrombin, an enzyme involved in the blood clotting cascade. In addition to lithium Heparin, light green tubes also often contain gel separators, which help in the separation of the plasma from the cellular components of the blood. The gel forms a barrier between the two components, allowing for easier extraction and analysis of the plasma.
Uses of Light Green Top Tubes
- Common tests carried out using Light Green Top tubes include:
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- The presence of lithium Heparin and gel separators in these tubes ensures that the blood sample remains stable and can be processed effectively in the laboratory
Dark Green Top Tubes
Dark Green Top tubes, on the other hand, contain a different set of additives compared to their light green counterparts. The primary additive in dark green tubes is sodium Heparin, which, like lithium Heparin, prevents blood clotting by inhibiting thrombin activity. However, in addition to sodium Heparin, dark green tubes also contain a Clot Activator, such as silica particles, that promote the formation of a clot in the blood sample. This clotting mechanism is necessary for tests that require serum testing, as the clot helps in separating the serum from the cellular components of the blood.
Uses of Dark Green Top Tubes
- Common tests carried out using Dark Green Top tubes include:
- Drug Level Monitoring
- Toxicology screening
- Blood lead levels
- The presence of sodium Heparin and a Clot Activator in dark green tubes ensures that the blood sample clots effectively, allowing for the extraction and analysis of serum for specific tests
Differences in Additives
While both light green and Dark Green Top tubes contain Heparin additives to prevent blood clotting, the specific type of Heparin used differs between the two. Light green tubes use lithium Heparin, while dark green tubes use sodium Heparin. Additionally, dark green tubes include a Clot Activator, which is absent in light green tubes. These differences in additives reflect the specific requirements of the tests for which the tubes are designed, with dark green tubes primarily used for serum testing that requires a clotting mechanism.
Choice of Tube Color and Additive
The choice of tube color and additive combination depends on several factors, including the specific tests being carried out, the preferences of the laboratory, and the equipment available for sample processing. Healthcare professionals must be aware of the differences in additives between light green and Dark Green Top tubes to ensure the accurate collection and processing of blood samples for laboratory testing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a clear difference in the additives used in light green and Dark Green Top tubes. While both types of tubes contain Heparin additives to prevent blood clotting, light green tubes primarily use lithium Heparin and gel separators, while dark green tubes contain sodium Heparin and a Clot Activator. The choice of tube color and additive combination is crucial for ensuring the accurate collection and processing of blood samples for laboratory testing, depending on the specific tests being carried out. Healthcare professionals should be familiar with these differences to ensure the reliability and validity of laboratory Test Results.
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