# Understanding Different Types of Blood Tubes for Blood Collection
Blood collection is an essential process in healthcare since it is critical in detecting diseases and disorders. Blood tubes come in a variety of types and colors, each designed for a specific purpose. Different types of blood tubes contain various additives that affect the testing process and accuracy of tests conducted in the laboratory. This article will provide an in-depth understanding of the types of blood tubes used in blood collection.
## Sodium Citrate Tubes
Sodium citrate tubes (blue top) contain citrate additives and are used for coagulation testing. The citrate prevents blood from clotting by chelating calcium to allow for accurate testing of clotting factors.
## Serum Tubes
Serum tubes (red or gold tops) contain no anticoagulant and are used for testing serum components such as cholesterol or electrolytes. The tube should be allowed to clot to ensure accurate test results.
## Heparin Tubes
Heparin tubes (green top) contain anticoagulants that inhibit clotting. These tubes are most commonly used for testing plasma components such as troponin, electrolytes, and arterial blood gases.
##EDTA Tubes
EDTA tubes (purple top) contain an anticoagulant that binds to calcium ions and prevents blood from clotting. These tubes are commonly used in hematology, virology, blood banking, and molecular biology.
## Fluoride Tubes
Fluoride tubes (gray top) are used to collect blood for glucose level monitoring. These tubes contain sodium fluoride, which acts as an antiglycolytic agent in preserving blood sugar levels in whole-blood specimens.
In conclusion, choosing the correct type of blood tube for collection is critical, as it affects test results' accuracy. Various factors such as the type of analysis, the type of specimen, and the purpose of the test should be considered when choosing a blood tube. Therefore, as a healthcare professional, it's essential to understand the different types of blood tubes and their usages.