Tube Types

Blood Tube / Abbreviation / Specimen Description

Gray-top tube (GY)

Contains sodium fluoride anti-coagulant. Primarily used to preserve glucose levels. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “fluoride plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Green-top tube (GR)

Contains sodium heparin anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Lavender – top tube (L)

Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Light Blue-top tube (B)

Contains sodium citrate anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “citrate plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Red – top tube (PR)

Contains no anti-coagulant or preservative. Primarily used for therapeutic drug levels. Separate serum from cells and transfer to plastic vial. Label with patient’s name and “serum”.

Royal Blue-top tube (RB)

Contains no anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Serum – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “serum royal blue”.

Royal Blue-top, EDTA (RB)

Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Royal Blue-top, Heparin (RB)

Contains heparin anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube.

Serum Separator tube (ST)

Contains gel-barrier. Serum – allow blood to clot and centrifuge tube. Unless otherwise stated, this tube may be submitted for assays requiring serum.

Yellow-top tube (YW)

Contains either ACD or SPS anti-coagulant. SPS is used primarily for Microbiology specimens. Whole blood – send filled tube.