| Blood Tubes | Abbreviation | Specimen Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Gray-top tube |
(GL) | Contains sodium fluoride anti-coagulant. Primarily used to preserve glucose levels. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “fluoride plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Green-top tube | (HE) | Contains sodium heparin anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Lavendar-top tube | (ED) |
Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Light Blue-top Tube | (CI) |
Contains sodium citrate anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “citrate plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Red-top tube | (SE) |
Contains no anti-coagulant or preservative. Primarily used for therapeutic drug levels. Separate serum from cells and transfer to plastic vial. Label with patient’s name and “serum”. |
| Royal Blue-top tube | (O) |
Contains no anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Serum – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “serum royal blue”. |
| Royal Blue-top, EDTA | (O) |
Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Royal Blue-top, Heparin | (O) | Contains heparin anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube. |
| Serum Separator tube | (SE) |
Contains gel-barrier. Serum – allow blood to clot and centrifuge tube. Unless otherwise stated, this tube may be submitted for assays requiring serum. |
| Yellow-top tube | (O) | Contains either ACD or SPS anti-coagulant. SPS is used primarily for Microbiology specimens. Whole blood – send filled tube. |