A lavender-top tube should be collected for a complete blood count (CBC).
The BCX (basic metabolic panel) is typically collected in a green or lavender top tube. The C and S (culture and sensitivity) test is collected in a blood culture bottle, not a specific color tube.
For titers, blood can be collected in a red-top tube (serum separator tube) or a gold-top tube (serum separator tube with gel). The serum is then separated from the blood cells by centrifugation and used for the titer test.
The color tube used for measuring PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is typically a red top tube. This tube contains no anticoagulant and is used for collecting blood samples for serum analysis. After the blood is collected, the tube is centrifuged, and the serum is then separated for PSA testing.
Arterial blood gas (ABG) samples are typically collected in heparinized syringes with a green stopper. This color-coded tube helps prevent clotting and ensures accurate results for blood gas analysis.
ABG is collected in a green heparinized tube or heparinized syringe.
A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is typically collected in a lavender-top tube that contains the anticoagulant EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). This additive helps preserve the blood sample for testing.
The Chem 7 test is collected in a red-top tube. This tube contains no anticoagulant and allows for the blood sample to clot, which is necessary for obtaining serum for testing.
The commonly used tests to detect occult blood in feces require a small sample of stool that is collected in a special container provided by the laboratory. The sample is usually collected at home by the individual and returned to the laboratory for analysis. The tube color for this test may vary depending on the specific laboratory protocol, but a common color for the container is brown or green.
The pink color at the top of a tube of blood collected in a FTM tube is due to a stabilizing gel present in the tube. The gel helps separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells. The lack of color in the middle and bottom of the tube is because the blood cells settle to the bottom due to their higher density, leaving the serum or plasma above them.
Blood is collected in a plain tube to obtain a serum sample. The absence of additives in a plain tube allows blood to clot naturally, separating the liquid serum from the solid components of the blood. This serum can then be used for various diagnostic tests.
The color of the cap is based on what tests will be performed on the blood. Whole blood is collected and serum can be extracted from a tube that has a clot activator. Cap color is typically RED however there are other cap colors used if a different or quickly activated clot chemistry is used.