Blood Specimens Collection Tubes

Clear Top

non additive, no clot activator, no silicone

6.0 mL

N/A

N/A

Discard tube

Light blue top Hemogard® tube (plastic)

Na citrate 3.2% (.109M)

2.7 mL

3 to 4 times

Coagulation results are erroneous

For coagulation determinations on plasma specimens

Red top tube (plastic) Hemogard®

Clot activator

4 mL

5 times

Insufficient sample.

For serum determinations.

Gold top tube (plastic) with Hemogard® 

Closure

Clot activator and gel for serum separation

5 mL

5 times

Insufficient sample.

For serum determinations. Used in place of red top tube.

Green top tube (glass)

Na heparin

3.0 mL

10 mL

8-10 times

Erroneous results due to excessive heparin

For plasma determinations for chromosome studies and (trace metals).

Green top tube (light green)(plastic)

Lithium Heparin^N (LH)

4.0m

For bone marrow collection See lab for tubes.

Green top tube (dark green) (plastic)

PST™ Gel and Lithium Heparin^N (LH)

3 mL

8-10 times

Erroneous results due to excessive heparin

For plasma determinations

Lavender top tube (plastic)

EDTA (spray dried k2 EDTA

3 mL

8-10 times

Erroneously low blood cell counts and hematocrits; morphological changes to RBCs and WBCs; staining alteration.

Whole blood hematology determinations

Pink top Hemogard® Plastic

K₂ EDTA 10.8 mg

6.0 mL

8-10 times

For blood transfusion

Royal blue top tube (plastic)

K₂ EDTA 10.8 mg

6.0 mL

8-10 times

For trace elements on plasma EDTA specimens

Grey top tube (plastic)

Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride

2 mL

8-10 times

Erroneous results due to excessive anticoagulant

For plasma glucose determinations.