Skip to content

Color Tubes And Tests In Phlebotomy


Tube Colors And What They Mean

The various tube colors phlebotomists use denote specific types of draws. The tube color refers to the color of the stopper used to cap the tube, not the color of the cylindrical tube material itself.

Gray Top

A gray stopper indicates a tube that contains any of the following chemicals:

  • Potassium oxalate
  • Sodium fluoride
  • Na2 EDTA

Labs typically use gray lids for glycolic inhibition of draws. Gray tops are common when phlebotomists expect there to be a delay in glucose level test results.

Gray tubes are used to test blood levels for various compounds. These include:

  • Blood alcohol levels
  • Glucose levels
  • Bicarbonate levels
  • Lactate level

Medics may also use them for lipid panels (to determine a patient’s risk of heart disease), liver function tests, electrolyte analysis and monitoring of therapeutic drugs.

Lavender/Purple Top

Lavender/purple-topped tubes are for draws that require the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to bind calcium ions and block coagulation.

The tubes come pre-lined with various types of EDTA depending on the application. They keep white blood cells, platelets and other blood constituents stable (without coagulation) for up to 24 hours.

In many cases, there is no need to open purple tubes. Manufacturers design them for direct sampling.

Phlebotomists will select lavender/purple tubes for the following test:

  • White blood cell count
  • Red blood cell count
  • Platelet count
  • Eosinophil count
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
  • Tests for sickle cells
  • Hemoglobin levels

Green Top

Green-topped phlebotomy tubes have either ammonium heparin, lithium heparin, or sodium herpin coatings on their inside surfaces. These anticoagulants activate anti-clotting agents in the blood, blocking coagulation cascades. They are suitable for either plasma or whole blood.

These tubes are usually used for:

  • STAT chemistry
  • Clinical chemistry

However, there are certain situations in which they should not be used. They are inappropriate for any blood banking procedures. Furthermore, ammonium heparin tubes should not be used for ammonia determinations, lithium heparin for lithium measurements and so on.

Red Top

Red stoppers denote draws for serology and immunohematology. Plastic red-topped tubes typically have clot activators on their interior surfaces, while glass versions don’t.

To activate red-topped tubes, phlebotomists must invert them several times to mix the solution. Clotting usually occurs within around 30 minutes.

Red-topped tubes have multiple serology applications including:

  • Strep testing
  • Cold agglutinins
  • Haptoglobin
  • C-reactive protein
  • Rubella titer

Phlebotomists will also use red stoppers for immunotherapy applications to check for patient compatibility before a transfusion.

Light Blue Top

Light blue-topped tubes come with two main additives: CTAD (Citrate, theophylline, adenosine, dipyridamole) and sodium citrate at concentrations of 3.2 or 3.8 percent.

The calcium citrate is a powerful anticoagulant that binds to the calcium in the blood required for clotting. How much of the chemical the tubes contain is very much a function of the specifications of the manufacturer. Some are more liable to increase calcium citrate levels than others.

Light blue-topped tubes are used in a variety of tests. These include:

  • Fibrinogen
  • Fibrin degradation products
  • Thrombin time
  • Prothrombin time
  • D-dimer

Yellow Top

Phlebotomists use yellow-topped tubes for DNA studies – such as paternity tests – and HIV cultures. The solution typically consists of a combination of citric acid, dextrose and trisodium citrate.

Tan

Tan-colored tubes are used in tests for lead levels. The tubes are coated in K2 EDTA .

Pink

Sometimes, phlebotomists will use multiple different colors of vials for the same tests. Blue, purple and pink-topped tubes are sometimes interchangeable with yellow.

Pink, for instance, is commonly used for:

  • HIV viral load tests
  • Compatibility studies
  • Blood type and screening

Royal Blue Top

Royal blue-capped tubes have no additives and are usually made of special glass or plastic that will not contaminate the specimen. Phlebotomists use royal blue tubes to test:

  • Drug levels
  • Toxicology
  • Concentration of trace elements in the blood

Royal blue tubes are ideal for tests that do not require either coagulation or anticoagulation to generate reliable results.

Pearl Top

Phlebotomists use pearl tubes for HHV-6, adenovirus and toxoplasma PCRs. Typically they contain a separating gel and EDTA. Pearl tubes typically draw 6 ml, with a minimum of 4 ml

Gold Top

Lastly, gold-topped tubes contain a separating (serum separator – SST) gel and clot-activation compounds. Phlebotomists use them for a broad array of tests, including hepatitis, HIV, serology and endocrinology testing. Vials usually have a capacity of 6 ml making them considerably larger than yellow vials, which have a maximum capacity of 2 ml.

Sumner College Arizona offers classes in Phlebotomy Tech. Classes start every month and tuition is $895 with a registration fee of $50. Learn more today by contacting our admission office at 480-776-0070 or visit PHLEBOTOMY TECH CLASSES AT SUMNER COLLEGE.

Learn more about Phlebotomy:

Benefits of Going to College

Education or training beyond high school is important. A college degree gives you more opportunities and a better life. "The purpose of college is not

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Going Back to School to be a Registered Nurse

Want to change careers? See how becoming a registered nurse offers a relatively quick option for professionals to jumpstart a new, fulfilling career. In 2019,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

College Prep for High School Seniors

Parents - Are you staying on top of your high school senior student with important dates and tasks as they explore their next adventure after

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

October Info Sessions Now Available – Enrolling for January 2024

Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Tips to Stay Health in Nursing School

The key components to staying healthy during your nursing education and going forward are to minimize stress, a proper nutritional daily intake, and an active

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: July 2023

Congratulations to ADN student, Kindra, for being awarded the Student of the Month for July 2023. Kindra was introduced to the nursing profession through their

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: June 2023

Congratulations to PN student, Evan, for being awarded the Student of the Month for June 2023. Evan embarked on his nursing journey after hearing glowing

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Sumner College Student of the Month: May 2023

Congratulations to ADN student, Jerald for being awarded the Student of the Month for May 2023. Jerald is a dedicated Sumner College student on a

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nursing and Care Staff Working in a Heatwave

During a heatwave, it is important we keep both staff and patients safe. It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital, GP surgery, clinic,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day! Here's to all the hard-working individuals who make our lives a little bit easier every day. Let's celebrate with some rest, relaxation,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Attention all nurses!

Attention all nurses! Continuing education is vital in expanding your skillset and staying one step ahead of the competition. Investing in further education brings many

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

New September Info Sessions – Registration Required

Are you looking to jump-start your #career in nursing? How about exploring Sumner College's BSN program? Aspiring nurses, join us for an information session in

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

School Nurse International Organization

School Nurses International provides a forum for nurses around the world working with school children to come together in a stimulating intellectual and happy environment

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

SNOW – School Nurse Organization of Washington

School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW) is a non-profit professional organization started in 1956. Mission Statement SNOW supports school nurses in the delivery of health

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Oregon School Nurses Association

The Oregon School Nurses Association (OSNA) advocates for the health and success of all children through equitable access to school nursing services. OSNA is the only state association

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Back to School Tool-Kit – School Nurses

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Whether you are seasoned school nurse or in your first year on the job, NASN’s back-to-school toolkit highlights the

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nursing Scholarships

Trying to figure out how to pay for nursing school? If your desire is to earn your BSN there could be a nursing scholarship, grant,

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Start a new career journey – Attend a BSN Info Session and learn more about the Sumner College’s BSN Program

Have you been considering going to nursing school? Learn more about the new BSN program offered at Sumner College by attending one of the August

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

#Hiring

#Hiring at Sumner College! We are recruiting for a few great candidates to join our team at the Portland, Oregon Campus. The following positions are

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Classes Start Every Month – Phlebotomy – Mesa, AZ

Get ready to embark on a rewarding career in the medical field with Sumner's Phlebotomy Technician Program! Designed with convenience and quality in mind, our

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

The Importance of Phlebotomy to Medicine – New classes starting every month

Phlebotomists are skilled medical specialists who study in drawing blood after patients, typically for medicinal testing. Meanwhile, blood tests can offer data concerning a patient’s

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Practical Nursing – Get Started Today

Passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference? Sumner College's Practical Nursing Program can pave your way to a rewarding career as a Licensed

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

BSN Classes Enroll Now

Sumner is committed to helping aspiring healthcare professionals realize their dreams. We're thrilled to announce that enrollment is open for our Bachelor of Science in

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

New Career – New YOU

Start a healthcare career when you graduate from Sumner's 8-week Phlebotomy Technician Program. Our program will prepare you for opportunities to work in hospitals, long-term

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

How to Become A Pediatric Nurse

This article is shared from Forbes. If you remember the scraped knees and splinters from childhood, you might also recall reluctant trips to the doctor’s

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Phlebotomy – Mesa

Looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and personal phlebotomy training program? Look no further than Sumner! We are proud to announce that enrollment is open for

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Nursing Classes Start Today!

Welcome to Sumner College. New BSN, PN and RN to BSN students start classes today. Congratulations on embarking on your healthcare career journey.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

The Vital Role of Phlebotomy in Medicine

Phlebotomy, or taking blood specimens, has been a part of medical care for centuries. Because drawing and handling blood samples are very crucial and strictly

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Veterans Benefits – Thank you for your service!

Sumner College | VETERANS BENEFITS Thank you for your service to our country. We are honored to help you continue your education and provide the

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn

Happy 4th of July – Enjoy your day

Sumner College Campus is closed today, to celebrate the 4th of July.

Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn