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Questions and Answers
What is the appropriate action for lactic acid samples?
What is the appropriate action for lactic acid samples?
Which tube color is used for osmotic fragility testing?
Which tube color is used for osmotic fragility testing?
What is the primary function of EDTA in blood collection tubes?
What is the primary function of EDTA in blood collection tubes?
What is the recommended handling for Vitamin B samples?
What is the recommended handling for Vitamin B samples?
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Which of the following tests requires lavender tube color?
Which of the following tests requires lavender tube color?
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What type of additive is present in a gray tube?
What type of additive is present in a gray tube?
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Which tube color is used for Type and Screen tests?
Which tube color is used for Type and Screen tests?
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What action is required for ammonia samples immediately after collection?
What action is required for ammonia samples immediately after collection?
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Which tube color is associated with the Coagulation lab?
Which tube color is associated with the Coagulation lab?
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Which test requires a specimen that is protected from light?
Which test requires a specimen that is protected from light?
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What color is needed for PT or PTT testing?
What color is needed for PT or PTT testing?
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Which of the following tube colors is NOT suitable for Sodium (Na) tests?
Which of the following tube colors is NOT suitable for Sodium (Na) tests?
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What tube color combinations can be used for Chemistry tests?
What tube color combinations can be used for Chemistry tests?
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Which specimen handling is required for Blood gases tests?
Which specimen handling is required for Blood gases tests?
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For Mono tests, which tube colors are acceptable?
For Mono tests, which tube colors are acceptable?
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What additional handling is required for Bilirubin tests?
What additional handling is required for Bilirubin tests?
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Which tube color is required for the Sickle Cell Test?
Which tube color is required for the Sickle Cell Test?
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What is the special handling requirement for the CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.
What is the special handling requirement for the CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.
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Which of the following tests requires a red, red/gray, or gold tube? Select all that apply.
Which of the following tests requires a red, red/gray, or gold tube? Select all that apply.
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What handling procedure is required for Acid Phosphatase tests?
What handling procedure is required for Acid Phosphatase tests?
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Which tests may all utilize a gold tube color? Select all that apply.
Which tests may all utilize a gold tube color? Select all that apply.
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Which specimen type is needed for the Strep Screen test?
Which specimen type is needed for the Strep Screen test?
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Which tube color is NOT mentioned as acceptable for the AST (SGOT) test?
Which tube color is NOT mentioned as acceptable for the AST (SGOT) test?
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Which of the following chemistry tests requires protection from light?
Which of the following chemistry tests requires protection from light?
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CSF vial #3 should be sent where?
CSF vial #3 should be sent where?
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Which tube color is NOT acceptable for conducting a Sodium (Na) test?
Which tube color is NOT acceptable for conducting a Sodium (Na) test?
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Which test specifically requires protection from light during handling?
Which test specifically requires protection from light during handling?
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Which department is responsible for the LD (LDH) test?
Which department is responsible for the LD (LDH) test?
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For which test is the use of a heparinized syringe required?
For which test is the use of a heparinized syringe required?
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What handling procedure is specifically mentioned for the DIC package?
What handling procedure is specifically mentioned for the DIC package?
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Which combination of tube colors can be used for the Mono test?
Which combination of tube colors can be used for the Mono test?
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Which of the following tests does NOT require special handling?
Which of the following tests does NOT require special handling?
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What color tube is required for the Kidney Profile test?
What color tube is required for the Kidney Profile test?
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Where does CSF vial #2 go?
Where does CSF vial #2 go?
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What is the purpose of the red tube with no additive or gel included? Select all that apply.
What is the purpose of the red tube with no additive or gel included? Select all that apply.
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Which of the following tests shares the tube color requirement of Red, Red/Gray or Gold? Select all that apply.
Which of the following tests shares the tube color requirement of Red, Red/Gray or Gold? Select all that apply.
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What handling condition is specifically mentioned for the CK (CPK) test?
What handling condition is specifically mentioned for the CK (CPK) test?
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Which tube colors can be used for the Triglycerides test?
Which tube colors can be used for the Triglycerides test?
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Which test can NOT utilize a gold tube color?
Which test can NOT utilize a gold tube color?
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What special handling precaution is necessary for the K (Potassium) test?
What special handling precaution is necessary for the K (Potassium) test?
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What is the primary role of sodium fluoride in a gray tube?
What is the primary role of sodium fluoride in a gray tube?
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Which type of tube is required for a Vancomycin or TDM test?
Which type of tube is required for a Vancomycin or TDM test?
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Which anticoagulant is found in a lavender, pink, or royal blue tube?
Which anticoagulant is found in a lavender, pink, or royal blue tube?
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What color of tube is recommended for the Hemoglobin A1c test?
What color of tube is recommended for the Hemoglobin A1c test?
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The osmotic fragility test is collected in a green tube, which is then sent to which department?
The osmotic fragility test is collected in a green tube, which is then sent to which department?
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What substance does a light blue tube contain as an anticoagulant?
What substance does a light blue tube contain as an anticoagulant?
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What is the immediate action required after collecting an ammonia sample?
What is the immediate action required after collecting an ammonia sample?
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Which test is associated with a tan tube?
Which test is associated with a tan tube?
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What are the appropriate tube colors for DIC package tests?
What are the appropriate tube colors for DIC package tests?
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Which tube color is acceptable for conducting a glucose test?
Which tube color is acceptable for conducting a glucose test?
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Which test requires specimens to be protected from light?
Which test requires specimens to be protected from light?
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Which tube color is required for Hematology tests?
Which tube color is required for Hematology tests?
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What is the proper tube color for urinalysis collection?
What is the proper tube color for urinalysis collection?
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Which of the following tests is associated with the tube color combination of red, red/gray, or gold?
Which of the following tests is associated with the tube color combination of red, red/gray, or gold?
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Which department is associated with pink tubes?
Which department is associated with pink tubes?
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Which test does NOT require any special handling requirements?
Which test does NOT require any special handling requirements?
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Which tube color is appropriate for a CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.
Which tube color is appropriate for a CK (CPK) test? Select all that apply.
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CSF vial #1 should be sent where?
CSF vial #1 should be sent where?
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Which test may require an SST tube?
Which test may require an SST tube?
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Which test can ONLY be collected with a gray tube?
Which test can ONLY be collected with a gray tube?
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What color tube is used for the Triglycerides test?
What color tube is used for the Triglycerides test?
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Which test can utilize red, red/gray, or gold tubes but NOT green?
Which test can utilize red, red/gray, or gold tubes but NOT green?
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Which test must be protected from light?
Which test must be protected from light?
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Which tube color is specified for an Eosinophil Count test?
Which tube color is specified for an Eosinophil Count test?
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Which anticoagulant is found in a Royal Blue tube?
Which anticoagulant is found in a Royal Blue tube?
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Which tube color is associated with Serology testing?
Which tube color is associated with Serology testing?
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What is the function of sodium heparin or lithium heparin in a green tube?
What is the function of sodium heparin or lithium heparin in a green tube?
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What additive is found in an orange tube?
What additive is found in an orange tube?
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Which type of testing is associated with the gray tube color?
Which type of testing is associated with the gray tube color?
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Which tube color is specified for Vitamin B handling to protect from light?
Which tube color is specified for Vitamin B handling to protect from light?
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What is the primary characteristic of a gold tube regarding sample collection?
What is the primary characteristic of a gold tube regarding sample collection?
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Which test is commonly performed using a red, red/gray, or gold tube?
Which test is commonly performed using a red, red/gray, or gold tube?
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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.
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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.