General requirements for specimen collection are provided below and should be adhered to in order to prevent specimen rejection. For accurate, quality testing and results, correct collection, labeling and handling are essential. Improperly collected specimens are the leading cause of clinically inaccurate results or resulting delay. Refer to the Directory of Services for correct tube color, minimum draw volumes, handling, and shipment instructions.
Below is the order of draw for tubes, additives in the tubes, and a brief description of common uses. The order in which tubes are drawn is important and should be followed to prevent cross-contamination of additives/anticoagulants:
Tube color | Additive | Common use |
---|---|---|
Blood culture bottle | Usually drawn first because of sterile technique | |
Light blue top | Sodium citrate | Coagulation tests (Prothrombin time, Thrombin time, etc.) |
Plain red top | No additive | Serum |
Gold top (SST) | No additive | Serum, tube inversions mix blood and clot activator |
Dark green top | Sodium heparin | Chromosome testing |
Mint green top | Lithium heparin | Plasma, tube inversions prevent clotting |
Lavender top | EDTA | Used for whole blood in Hematology |
Pink top | EDTA | Blood bank for type and cross-match |
Royal blue top (PDF) | EDTA | Trace element determinations, heavy metals |
Tan top | EDTA | Lead determinators |
Gray top | Potassium oxalate or Sodium fluoride | Glucose screening |
Yellow top | ACD-A |
Please refer to the Directory of Services or the Epic Procedure Catalog for test specifics such as tube color and amounts to draw. The above list is only a partial list of common tube colors and is intended to be used as a guide for the draw order.