07/03/2026
🩸 Master the Rainbow:
Blood Collection Tube Guide
Ever wonder why phlebotomy looks like a chemistry experiment? 🧪 Each colored cap tells a story about what’s inside the tube and how it preserves the blood for testing.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet:
💜 Lavender (EDTA): Your go-to for hematology. It keeps the cells whole for CBCs and blood films.
💙 Light Blue (Sodium Citrate): The "Gold Standard" for coagulation. Crucial: Must be filled to the exact line for an accurate 9:1 ratio!
❤️ Red: The "purest" tube. Used for serum testing and monitoring drug levels.
💛 Gold/Tiger (SST): Contains a gel that acts as a physical barrier between serum and cells after a spin in the centrifuge.
💚 Green (Heparin): Perfect for plasma chemistry and checking electrolytes or arterial blood gases.
🩶 Grey (Oxalate): The sugar specialist. It prevents glycolysis (the breakdown of sugar) for accurate glucose testing.
💡 Pro-Tip: Don’t forget the Order of Draw! Following the correct sequence prevents additive carryover, ensuring the lab results are 100% accurate.