Color Of Cbc Tube

The color of a CBC (Complete Blood Count) tube is an essential aspect of blood sample collection and analysis. CBC tubes are designed to collect and preserve blood samples for various laboratory tests, and their colors indicate the type of additive or anticoagulant present in the tube.

CBC Tube Colors and Additives

CBC tubes come in different colors, each corresponding to a specific additive or anticoagulant. The most common CBC tube colors are:

• Lavender (EDTA): This is the most commonly used CBC tube. The lavender color indicates the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting and preserves the blood cells.
• Pink (K2EDTA or K3EDTA): These tubes contain EDTA as an anticoagulant, similar to lavender tubes. However, pink tubes often have a different concentration of EDTA or an additional additive.
• Blue (Sodium Citrate): Blue tubes contain sodium citrate, an anticoagulant used for coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT).
• Green (Sodium or Lithium Heparin): Green tubes contain heparin, an anticoagulant used for plasma determinations, such as electrolyte and chemistry tests.
• Gray (Sodium Fluoride and Potassium Oxalate): Gray tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate, which are used to inhibit glycolysis and preserve glucose levels in the blood sample.

CBC Tube Color Significance

The color of the CBC tube is crucial because it indicates the type of additive or anticoagulant present, which affects the blood sample’s integrity and the accuracy of laboratory results. Using the correct tube color ensures that the blood sample is properly preserved and that the laboratory tests are performed accurately.

In conclusion, the color of a CBC tube is a critical aspect of blood sample collection and analysis. Understanding the different tube colors and their corresponding additives or anticoagulants is essential for accurate laboratory testing and patient care.