Is there a list of specimen collection tubes and their uses?
The following is a list of tubes referred to in Mayo Medical Laboratories’ specimen requirements: Green-Top Tube (Sodium Heparin): This tube contains sodium heparin — used for collection of heparinized plasma or whole blood for special tests. Note: After tube has been filled with blood, immediately invert tube several times to prevent coagulation. Grey-Top Tube (Potassium Oxalate/Sodium Fluoride): This tube contains potassium oxalate as an anticoagulant and sodium fluoride as a preservative — used to preserve glucose in whole blood and for some special chemistry tests. Note: After tube has been filled with blood, immediately invert tube several times to prevent coagulation. Lavender-Top Tube (EDTA): This tube contains EDTA as an anticoagulant — used for most hematological procedures. Note: After tube has been filled with blood, immediately invert tube several times to prevent coagulation. Light Blue-Top Tube (Sodium Citrate): This tube contains sodium citrate as an anticoagulant —
