Which Tube do I Draw

Phlebotomy Vacutainer Tube List

TUBE COLOR TESTS DEPARTMENT ADDITIVE
WHITE This is a toss away tube. Use first when drawing PT/PTT INR Toss away No additive
LAVENDAR CBC, ESR, HgbA1C, Lead, Blood Bank (must have w/in 12 hrs), CF (need form) Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Banking EDTA - keeps blood from clotting
LIGHT BLUE PT/INR, COAG FACTOR, FIBRENOGEN, D-DIMER, APTT (must draw white toss away tube first) COAG Sodium Nitrate - keeps blood from clotting
RED/GOLD CENTER (SST) BMP, CMP, LIPID, RENAL, THYROIDS, IRON, LIVER, CARDIAC, B12, FOLATE PSA, PRE-ALBUMIN RPR, FA, CEA, CREATININE CLEARANCE, CPK, LDL, HIV, HEPATITIS, ANA, MONO Chemistry Clot activator and serum seperating gel
RED/BLACK CENTER DILANTIN, DRUG LEVELS (can interchange w/ SST or drawn extra if add ons are suspected) Serology No additive
LIGHT GREEN STAT WHOLE BLOOD TESTING: AMMONIA (placed on ice immediately) PLASMA ( must be at the lab with in 4 hours or frozen) Chemistry Lithium Heparin Lithium Sodium
ROYAL BLUE HEAVY METALS, TRACE ELEMENTS, LEAD Chemistry Sodium EDTA
GRAY LACTIC ACID
BLOOD ALCOHOL 		Chemistry Sodium Flouride Potassium Oxalate


Blood Cultures

PURPLE
(anaerobic)		 Use first if patient is not on antibiotics Micro Culture Media
BLUE
(aerobic)		 Use second if patient is not on antibiotics Micro Culture Media
ORANGE
(FN anaerobic)
Use first if patient is on antibiotics Micro Culture Media
GREEN
(FA aerobic)		 Use second if patient is on antibiotics Micro Culture Media
YELLOW /
Pediatric		 Use for infants or pediatrics Micro Culture Media