Lab Cheat Sheet
Some of our most used labs. I hope this helps someone!
In laboratory settings, understanding different types of blood collection tubes is crucial for accurate test results and effective patient care. Plasma tubes, designed to contain anticoagulants, prevent clotting and ensure the liquid portion after centrifugation is plasma, essential for many diagnostic tests. The colors of these tubes signify different additives: for example, light green tubes contain lithium heparin and a gel separator, whereas lavender/purple tubes include EDTA, used widely in hematological testing. Serum tubes, on the other hand, do not contain anticoagulants, allowing blood to clot so the liquid obtained post-centrifugation is serum. Common colors include red for no additive, gold/tiger top for a clot activator with a gel separator, and orange for thrombin-based rapid clot activation. Knowing which tube to use for specific tests is important for lab technicians and phlebotomists to avoid processing errors and ensure optimal test performance. This cheat sheet not only serves as a quick reference but also educates users on the significance of each tube type in the lab workflow.