Blood Test Tube Colors & Additives

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the appropriate action for lactic acid samples?

Store at room temperature

Freeze for later analysis

Leave in the fridge for 24 hours

Put on ice immediately (correct)

Which tube color is used for osmotic fragility testing?

Gray

Green (correct)

Light Blue

Lavender

What is the primary function of EDTA in blood collection tubes?

Speed up clot activation

Inhibit glycolysis

Act as a preservative

Bind or chelate calcium (correct)

What is the recommended handling for Vitamin B samples?

Protect from light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests requires lavender tube color?

CBC Signup and view all the answers

What type of additive is present in a gray tube?

Sodium fluoride Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is used for Type and Screen tests?

Pink Signup and view all the answers

What action is required for ammonia samples immediately after collection?

Put on ice immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is associated with the Coagulation lab?

Light blue Signup and view all the answers

Which test requires a specimen that is protected from light?

Bilirubin Signup and view all the answers

What color is needed for PT or PTT testing?

Light blue Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tube colors is NOT suitable for Sodium (Na) tests?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

What tube color combinations can be used for Chemistry tests?

Red, red/gray, green, or gold Signup and view all the answers

Which specimen handling is required for Blood gases tests?

Put on ice immediately Signup and view all the answers

For Mono tests, which tube colors are acceptable?

Gold, red, or red/gray Signup and view all the answers

What additional handling is required for Bilirubin tests?

Protect from light Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is required for the Sickle Cell Test?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

What is the special handling requirement for the CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.

Put on ice ASAP Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests requires a red, red/gray, or gold tube? Select all that apply.

Kidney Profile Signup and view all the answers

What handling procedure is required for Acid Phosphatase tests?

Put on ice immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which tests may all utilize a gold tube color? Select all that apply.

Triglycerides and CK (CPK) Signup and view all the answers

Which specimen type is needed for the Strep Screen test?

Throat swab Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is NOT mentioned as acceptable for the AST (SGOT) test?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following chemistry tests requires protection from light?

Vitamin B Signup and view all the answers

Which test requires an immediate action of putting the specimen on ice?

DIC package Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is NOT acceptable for conducting a Sodium (Na) test?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

Which test specifically requires protection from light during handling?

CK (CPK) Signup and view all the answers

Which department is responsible for the LD (LDH) test?

Chemistry Signup and view all the answers

For which test is the use of a heparinized syringe required?

Blood gases Signup and view all the answers

What handling procedure is specifically mentioned for the DIC package?

Put on ice ASAP Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of tube colors can be used for the Mono test?

Red/Gray or Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests does NOT require special handling?

BUN Signup and view all the answers

What color tube is required for the Kidney Profile test?

Red, Red/Gray, Green or Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which test requires a throat swab specimen type?

Strep Screen (10 min) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the red tube with no additive or gel included? Select all that apply.

Vancomycin or TDM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests shares the tube color requirement of Red, Red/Gray or Gold? Select all that apply.

AST (SGOT) Signup and view all the answers

What handling condition is specifically mentioned for the CK (CPK) test?

Put on ice as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which tube colors can be used for the Triglycerides test?

Red, Red/Gray, Green or Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which test can NOT utilize a gold tube color?

Sickle Cell Test Signup and view all the answers

What special handling precaution is necessary for the K (Potassium) test?

No special handling required Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sodium fluoride in a gray tube?

Inhibits glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tube is required for a Vancomycin or TDM test?

Red - No gel Signup and view all the answers

Which anticoagulant is found in a lavender, pink, or royal blue tube?

EDTA Signup and view all the answers

What color of tube is recommended for the Hemoglobin A1c test?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

The osmotic fragility test is collected in a green tube, which is then sent to which department?

Hematology Signup and view all the answers

What substance does a light blue tube contain as an anticoagulant?

Sodium Citrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the immediate action required after collecting an ammonia sample?

Put it on ice immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which test is associated with a tan tube?

Lead Signup and view all the answers

What are the appropriate tube colors for DIC package tests?

Light blue, lavender, and blue with a yellow label Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is acceptable for conducting a glucose test?

Red, Red/Gray or Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which test requires specimens to be protected from light?

Bilirubin Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is required for Hematology tests?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper tube color for urinalysis collection?

Sterile cup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tests is associated with the tube color combination of red, red/gray, or gold?

Sodium (Na) Signup and view all the answers

Which department is associated with pink tubes?

Blood Bank Signup and view all the answers

Which test does NOT require any special handling requirements?

BUN Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is appropriate for a CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.

Green Signup and view all the answers

What is the required handling for an Acid Phosphatase test immediately after collection?

Put on ice immediately Signup and view all the answers

Which test may require an SST tube?

Lactic acid Signup and view all the answers

Which test can ONLY be collected with a gray tube?

GTT (Chemistry) Signup and view all the answers

What color tube is used for the Triglycerides test?

Gold Signup and view all the answers

Which test can utilize red, red/gray, or gold tubes but NOT green?

Acid phosphatase Signup and view all the answers

Which test must be protected from light?

CK (CPK) Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is specified for an Eosinophil Count test?

Lavender Signup and view all the answers

Which anticoagulant is found in a Royal Blue tube?

EDTA Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is associated with Serology testing?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of sodium heparin or lithium heparin in a green tube?

Inhibits thrombin Signup and view all the answers

What additive is found in an orange tube?

Thrombin Signup and view all the answers

Which type of testing is associated with the gray tube color?

Chemistry Tests Signup and view all the answers

Which tube color is specified for Vitamin B handling to protect from light?

Gold Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a gold tube regarding sample collection?

Clot activator Signup and view all the answers

Which test is commonly performed using a red, red/gray, or gold tube?

CRP Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Test Tube Colors & Additives

Lavender/Pink/Royal Blue tubes: Contain Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) which binds or chelates calcium ions. This prevents blood from clotting.
Red tubes: Do not contain any additives or anticoagulants. They encourage blood clotting, used for serum specimens.
Gray tubes: Contain Sodium Fluoride to inhibit glycolysis (sugar breakdown) and Potassium oxalate as an anticoagulant.
Light Blue tubes: Contain Sodium Citrate which binds to calcium ions to prevent clotting, used for coagulation studies.
Gold tubes: Contain a clot activator and gel separator.
Light Green tubes: Contain Lithium Heparin but no other additive.

Common Tests & Tube Colors

Hematology Tests: Lavender or Pink tubes - H&H, Sickle Cell Test, CBC, ESR, Eosinophil Count
Serology Tests: Red/Red/Gray/Gold or Gray tubes - Mono, RPR, Pregnancy (serum), HBV, HIV, CRP, Streptozyme
Chemistry Tests: Red/Red/Gray/Gold/Green/Tan/Gray tubes - BUN, Total protein, Glucose, LD (LDH), Bilirubin, Sodium (Na), Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), CK (CPK), Electrolyes, Ammonia, Lactic Acid, Lead, Vitamin B, Kidney Profile, Triglycerides, K (potassium), GTT (glucose tolerance test), Vancomyocin or TDM
Blood Gases: Heparinized SYRINGE - Blood gases
Coagulation Tests: Light Blue tube - PT and PTT, DIC package (Light Blue with yellow label)
Urinalysis: Sterile Cup - Urinalysis
Blood Bank: Pink tube - Type and Screen
Other Tests/Procedures:
- Acid Phosphatase: Red/Red/Gray/Gold tube - Put on Ice IMMED
- Strep Screen (10 min): Throat SWAB
- Acid Phosphatase: Red, Red/Gray or Gold - Put on Ice IMMED
- Blood gases: Put on Ice IMMED
- DIC package: Put on Ice ASAP
- Bilirubin: PROTECT FROM LIGHT
- Vitamin B: PROTECT FROM LIGHT

Notes

IMMED: Indicates that the sample needs to be put on ice immediately.
ASAP: Indicates that the specimen needs to be placed on ice as soon as possible.
PROTECT FROM LIGHT: Tests requiring this handling must be kept out of direct sunlight to prevent sample degradation.

Blood Test Tube Colors: A Guide for Understanding Types of Tests and Additives

Lavender/Pink/Royal Blue: Used for hematology tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), which measures red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Contains EDTA as an anticoagulant, chelating calcium and preventing blood from clotting.
Red: Used for various tests, including serology tests for antibodies and antigens, such as RPR, HBV, and HIV. Also used for chemistry tests, like sodium, potassium, and total protein. Contains no additives or clot activators to encourage the formation of a clot, separating the serum from the blood.
Gray: Used for glucose tests, such as glucose tolerance tests (GTT), which measure blood sugar levels over time. Contains sodium fluoride, which inhibits glycolysis (breakdown of glucose) and preserves blood glucose levels.
Light Blue Used for coagulation tests, such as PT (prothrombin time) and PTT (partial thromboplastin time), which assess the ability of blood to clot. Contains sodium citrate, which binds calcium and prevents blood clotting.
Gold: Used for various chemistry tests, including electrolytes (sodium, potassium), liver function tests (AST, ALT), and lipid tests (cholesterol, triglycerides). Contains a clot activator and a gel separator to facilitate separation of serum.
Light Green: Used for chemistry tests that require plasma, such as ammonia and lactic acid. Contains lithium heparin, which inhibits clotting by binding to antithrombin III.

Additional Considerations

DIC package: Blood tests that assess blood clotting in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a life-threatening condition characterized by abnormal blood clotting. Requires refrigeration and immediate processing upon collection for accurate results.
Blood gas analysis: Measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in blood, usually from an arterial sample. Uses a heparinized syringe to prevent clotting and requires immediate refrigeration to prevent changes in gas concentrations.
Acid phosphatase: A chemistry test for diagnosing prostate cancer. Requires immediate refrigeration to maintain enzyme stability.
Bilirubin: A chemistry test for monitoring liver function and jaundice. Requires protection from light to prevent breakdown of bilirubin.
Lead: A chemistry test that measures lead levels in blood to assess exposure to this toxic metal.
Vitamin B: A chemistry test, requires protection from light.
Urine Analysis: A test for detecting abnormalities in urine such as infection, diabetes or kidney disease. Requires a sterile urine cup for accurate results.
Type and Screen: A blood bank test to determine blood group and Rh factor for blood transfusions. Uses pink-colored tubes.

Tube Color Reference Chart

Lavender tubes are used for Hematology tests like H&H, Sickle Cell Test, Eosinophil Count, CBC, and ESR. Lavender tubes contain EDTA which binds or chelates calcium, preventing blood clotting.
Red tubes contain no additive or a clot activator that speeds up clotting. They are used for Serology tests like Mono, RPR, Pregnancy, HBV, HIV, CRP, Streptozyme, and Chemistry tests like BUN, Total protein, Glucose, LD, AST, Kidney Profile, Triglycerides, K, CK, Electrolytes, Vitamin B.
Gray tubes are used for Chemistry tests like Glucose, GTT, and contain Sodium Fluoride that inhibits the glycolysis process.
Light Blue tubes contain Sodium Citrate that binds calcium and are used for coagulation tests like PT and PTT.
Gold tubes contain a clot activator and gel separator and are used for Chemistry tests like BUN, Total protein, Glucose, LD, AST, Kidney Profile, Triglycerides, K, CK, Electrolytes, and Vitamin B.
Light Green tubes contain Lithium Heparin which prevents blood from clotting, and are used for Chemistry tests like ALT, Acid Phosphatase, CK, and Ammonia.
Heparinized Syringe is used for Chemistry test Blood Gases and needs to be put on ice immediately.
Blue with Yellow Label tube is used for Coagulation test DIC package and should be put on ice ASAP.
Tan tubes are used for Lead tests in Chemistry.
Light Blue, Lavender, and Blue tubes are used for Bilirubin test in Chemistry and need to be protected from light.
Green tube is also used for Chemistry tests like Ammonia, Lactic Acid, and Osmotic fragility. Ammonia and Lactic Acid need to be put on ice ASAP.
Red- No Gel is used for Vancomyocin or TDM tests in Chemistry.
PINK tubes are used for Blood Bank test Type and Screen.
STERILE CUP is used for Urinalysis.
THROAT SWAB is used for Serology test Strep Screen.

Special Handling

Protect from Light: Bilirubin, and Vitamin B.
Put on Ice ASAP: Blood gases, DIC package, Acid Phosphatase, Ammonia, Lactic Acid.
PUT ON ICE IMMED: Blood gases, Acid Phosphatase, Ammonia, Lactic Acid.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the different colors and additives of blood test tubes and their specific uses in various laboratory tests. This quiz covers essential information on the role of each tube and the tests associated with them. Enhance your understanding of blood collection and its significance in diagnostics.