Vacutainers = Uses

Question 1

Purple or lavender

Answer 1

contains EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
strong anticoagulant and these tubes are usually used for complete blood counts (CBC) and blood films.

Question 2

Green

Answer 2

Contains sodium heparin or lithium heparin used for plasma determinations in clinical chemistry (e.g. urea and electrolyte determination).

Question 3

Grey

Answer 3

These tubes contain fluoride and oxalate. Fluoride prevents enzymes in the blood from working, by preventing the stage called glycolysis so a substrate such as glucose will not be gradually used up during storage. Oxalate is an anticoagulant. used for glucose test eg tolerance test, challenge test, lactic acid

Question 4

Light blue

Answer 4

Contain a measured amount of citrate. Citrate is a reversible anticoagulant, and these tubes are used for coagulation assays. Because the liquid citrate dilutes the blood, it is important the tube is full so the dilution is properly accounted for.

Question 5

Dark Blue

Answer 5

Contains sodium heparin, an anticoagulant. Also can contain EDTA as an additive or have no additive. These tubes are used for trace metal analysis.

Question 6

Black

Answer 6

Used for ESR