Tube Additives

Question 1

What additive is in the Lavender tube and what does it do?

Answer 1

EDTA: Anticoagulant that binds to Ca

Question 2

What additive is in the Blue tube and what does it do?

Answer 2

Sodium Citrate: Anticoagulant that preserves coagulation factors. Also binds to Ca.

Question 3

What additive is in the Green tube and what does it do?

Answer 3

Heparin (combines with Na, Li, or ammonium ions): Anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin in coagulation cascade.

Question 4

What additive is in the Gray tube and what does it do?

Answer 4

Sodium Fluoride: Preserves glucose for 3 days
or
Lithium Iodoacetate: Preserves glucose for 24 hours
or
Potassium Oxalate: Prevents clotting by binding Ca

Question 5

What additive is in the Red/Gray Speckled (Tiger top) tube and what does it do?

Answer 5

Serum separator tube (SST): Contains clot activators, like glass particles, silica, celite, and thixotropic gel. When centrifuges forms a barrier between serum and cells.

Question 6

What additive is in the Red tube and what does it do?

Answer 6

Contains no additive, or anticoagulant.

Question 7

What additive is in the Yellow tube and what does it do?

Answer 7

Sodium Polyanetholesulfonate (SPS): Anticoagulant, aids in recovery of microorganisms by inhibiting complement, phagocytes, and antibiotics.