8 Essential Phlebotomy Tubes And Tests To Know

Phlebotomy is a vital medical procedure that involves collecting blood samples from patients for laboratory testing. The tubes used for phlebotomy are specially designed to collect and preserve the blood sample for accurate test results. In this article, we will discuss the 8 essential phlebotomy tubes and tests to know.

Understanding the different types of phlebotomy tubes and the tests they are used for is crucial for medical professionals, laboratory technicians, and students. Each tube is designed for a specific test or group of tests, and using the wrong tube can lead to inaccurate results or even require the test to be repeated.

1. Lavender Top Tube (EDTA Tube)

The lavender top tube, also known as the EDTA tube, is used for hematological testing, including complete blood counts (CBC) and blood smear. EDTA, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Complete Blood Count (CBC) * Blood Smear * Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct) * Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count

2. Light Blue Top Tube (Sodium Citrate Tube)

The light blue top tube, also known as the sodium citrate tube, is used for coagulation studies, including prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Prothrombin Time (PT) * Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) * Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) * Fibrinogen Level

3. Pink Top Tube (K2 or K3 EDTA Tube)

The pink top tube, also known as the K2 or K3 EDTA tube, is used for hematological testing, including blood typing and cross-matching. EDTA is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Blood Typing (ABO and Rh) * Cross-Matching * Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct) * Red Blood Cell (RBC) and White Blood Cell (WBC) count

4. Red Top Tube (No Additive Tube)

The red top tube, also known as the no additive tube, is used for blood chemistry testing, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. This tube contains no anticoagulant or additive, allowing the blood to clot naturally.

Tests Performed:

* Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) * Creatinine Level * Electrolyte Panel (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride) * Glucose Level

5. Green Top Tube (Sodium or Lithium Heparin Tube)

The green top tube, also known as the sodium or lithium heparin tube, is used for blood chemistry testing, including blood gas analysis and ionized calcium levels. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Blood Gas Analysis (pH, pCO2, pO2) * Ionized Calcium Level * Glucose Level * Electrolyte Panel (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)

6. Yellow Top Tube (SPS Tube)

The yellow top tube, also known as the SPS tube, is used for blood culture testing, including bacterial and fungal cultures. SPS, or sodium polyanethol sulfonate, is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Blood Culture (Bacterial and Fungal) * Gram Stain * Blood Smear

7. Gold Top Tube (SST Tube)

The gold top tube, also known as the SST tube, is used for blood chemistry testing, including liver function tests and cholesterol levels. SST, or serum separator tube, is a type of tube that allows the blood to clot and then separates the serum from the clot.

Tests Performed:

* Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST, Bilirubin) * Cholesterol Level * Triglyceride Level * Electrolyte Panel (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)

8. Gray Top Tube (Sodium Fluoride Tube)

The gray top tube, also known as the sodium fluoride tube, is used for glucose testing, including fasting glucose levels and glucose tolerance testing. Sodium fluoride is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the sample for accurate testing.

Tests Performed:

* Glucose Level * Fasting Glucose Level * Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) * Insulin Level

Phlebotomy Tubes and Tests Image Gallery

In conclusion, understanding the different types of phlebotomy tubes and the tests they are used for is crucial for medical professionals, laboratory technicians, and students. By knowing the correct tubes to use for each test, medical professionals can ensure accurate test results and provide the best possible care for their patients. We hope this article has been informative and helpful in your journey to learn more about phlebotomy tubes and tests.