Blood Tube-Order of Draw

Order of Draw for Blood Collection

• Blood Cultures

  • First collection in the drawing sequence.

  • Essential for identifying bacteria or fungi in the blood.

• Sodium Citrate Tubes

  • Used for coagulation studies.

  • Helps in the accurate measurement of clotting parameters.

• Red Top Tubes

  • Contains no additives (plain tube).

  • Primarily used for serum collection, allowing for clotting prior to centrifugation.

• Serum Separator Tubes

  • Typically a yellow top tube

  • Used for:

  • Serology tests

  • Toxicology tests

  • Chemistry tests

  • Contains gel that separates serum from blood cells upon centrifugation.

• Green Top Tubes

  • Contains anticoagulant: heparin.

  • Used primarily for:

  • Chemistry tests requiring plasma, as heparin prevents clotting.

• Blue Top Tubes

  • Also a type of anticoagulant tube; often used for specific coagulation studies.

  • Contains sodium citrate or alternative anticoagulant components.

• Dark Green Top Tubes

  • Contains an anticoagulant: heparin, similar to green tops.

  • Does not contain a gel separator.

• Lavender Top Tubes

  • Contains anticoagulant: EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

  • Commonly used for:

  • Hematology tests, such as Complete Blood Count (CBC).

• Grey Top Tubes

  • Contains anticoagulant: Sodium Fluoride.

  • Used in specific tests such as glucose tolerance tests.

  • Sodium fluoride prevents glycolysis, preserving glucose levels for accurate measurement.