Collection and Handling of Blood Samples

Question 1

Red topped

Answer 1

no anticoagulant

• blood expected to clot
• serum used for biochemical profile and many other tests

Question 2

Red/black top

Answer 2

serum separator
Gel that promotes blood clot formation and separates cells from serum
Uses: chemistry analysis, serology. not recommended for drug levels, hormones or toxin analysis

Question 3

Lavender or purple

Answer 3

ethlenediaminetetraacetic acid with a K+ salt
Anticoagulant, Ca2+ chelator
Preserves cell morphology
Major uses: CBC, Fibrinogen, Reticulocyte count

Question 4

Green topped

Answer 4

contains heparin (an anticoagulant, inhibits thrombin)
contains figrinogen
Uses: chemistry panels, Avian/reptile CBC and chemistry panel

Question 5

Blue topped

Answer 5

Citrate (anticoagulant, Ca2+ chelator)

Uses: coagulation tests: PT, aPTT, FDP

Question 6

Gray topped

Answer 6

sodium fluoride oxalate (anticoagulant, Ca2+ chelator)
Inhibits glucose metabolism (fluoride inhibits glycolysis)
Uses: plasma for serial glucose, lactate and pyruvate.