Blood Collection Tubes: Types and Their Uses

Blood Collection Tubes: Types and Their Uses

Every day, pathology lab technicians and doctors handle blood samples for various diagnostic tests. However, choosing the right blood collection tube can be confusing. With so many tube colours and additives, using the wrong one can lead to sample rejection, inaccurate test results or even the need for a repeat blood draw – wasting time and resources.

Imagine this: A patient sample arrives at the lab but after processing, you realize that the wrong tube was used. The test results are compromised, the doctor needs a fresh sample and the patient has to go through another blood draw. Situations like this not only cause frustration for medical professionals but also inconvenience patients and delay critical diagnoses.

To prevent such errors, Anamol Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. took a deep dive into understanding blood collection tubes, their colour codes and their specific applications. By learning the differences between tubes – such as which ones contain anticoagulants, clot activators or preservatives, we gained clarity on when to use each type. Mastering this knowledge has made sample processing smoother, improved test accuracy and reduced errors in the lab.  

Let’s break down the most common blood collection tubes and their uses:  

Tubes	Additives	Image	Uses
Red Top	No Additives		Used for serum tests, including biochemistry, serology, and some hormone assays.
Gold or Yellow Top	Contains clot activator and gel for serum separation		Ideal for biochemical tests, thyroid function, and lipid profile.
Light Blue Top	Contains sodium citrate		Used for coagulation studies such as PT, APTT, and D-dimer.
Green Top	Contains heparin (sodium, lithium, or ammonium)		Preferred for plasma biochemistry tests, including electrolyte panels.
Lavender (Purple) Top	Contains EDTA (prevents clotting)		Used for complete blood count (CBC), HbA1c, and blood smears.
Grey Top	Contains sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate		Used for glucose and lactate testing, as it prevents glycolysis.
Black Top	Contains sodium citrate in a higher concentration		Used for ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) tests.

By understanding these tubes and their specific applications, lab technicians and doctors can ensure the right tube is used for the right test – leading to accurate results and improved patient care.