Tube
Colour

Tube
Description

Content

Indications

Instructions

Serum tube

With gel

Clot activator
+
Serum separator

Clinical Chemistry: LFT, EUC, lipids, cardiac enzymes, iron studies, CRP etc.

Serology/ Immunology: Hepatitis, Syphilis, Rubella, HIV, EBV, CMV, ANA, ENA, dsDNA etc

Endocrinology: Hormones, thyroid function tests etc

Mix well by gently inverting tube.

Serum tube

Without gel

Clot activator

Blood group/blood banking

Mix well by gently inverting tube.

Use of serum tube with gel may affect these results

E.D.T.A

Tube

EDTA

Haematology: FBC, ESR, WCC, Diff, Platelets, Malarial Parasites, Red Cell Folate. HbEPG, Reticulocyte count. Flow cytometry

Clinical Chemistry: HbAIc (glycated haemoglobin), red cell folate

Gene analysis: HLA B27, Haemochromatosis, Factor V etc

Viral nucleic acid: HCV PCR, viral load and genotyping, HBV DNA and viral load

Mix well by gently inverting tube.

Separate dedicated tube for virology

Glucose tube

Sodium fluoride

Clinical Chemistry: Glucose, GTT, Glucose challenge.

Glycolysis can reduce the serum glucose by 5% per hour in blood collected in a plain or gel tube – please use this tube for accurate glucose levels.

Mix well by gently inverting tube.

Please specify on form if fasting or non-fasting and size of any glucose load given to patient.

Coagulation tube

3.2%
Sodium
Citrate

Coagulation Studies: PT, INR, APTT, Coagulation studies

Other: Lupus inhibitor, (please collect 2 tubes for these tests).

Mix well by gently inverting tube.

Fill as close to the line as possible. Depending on the size of the tube the vacuum is set to deliver either 2 or 3.5 mL only - this is the correct ratio of blood/sodium citrate solution and is critical for the correct result.

Heparin tube

Lithium Heparin

Homocysteine

Karyotyping

Tubes should be shielded from the light – ideally wrapped in aluminium foil.

Mix well by gently inverting tube.