Blood Tube / Abbreviation / Specimen Description
Gray-top tube (GY)
Contains sodium fluoride anti-coagulant. Primarily used to preserve glucose levels. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “fluoride plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Green-top tube (GR)
Contains sodium heparin anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Lavender – top tube (L)
Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Light Blue-top tube (B)
Contains sodium citrate anti-coagulant. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “citrate plasma”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Red – top tube (PR)
Contains no anti-coagulant or preservative. Primarily used for therapeutic drug levels. Separate serum from cells and transfer to plastic vial. Label with patient’s name and “serum”.
Royal Blue-top tube (RB)
Contains no anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Serum – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “serum royal blue”.
Royal Blue-top, EDTA (RB)
Contains EDTA anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “EDTA plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Royal Blue-top, Heparin (RB)
Contains heparin anti-coagulant. Primarily used for trace metal studies. Plasma – transfer to plastic vial and label with patient’s name and “heparin plasma royal blue”. Whole blood – send filled tube.
Serum Separator tube (ST)
Contains gel-barrier. Serum – allow blood to clot and centrifuge tube. Unless otherwise stated, this tube may be submitted for assays requiring serum.
Yellow-top tube (YW)
Contains either ACD or SPS anti-coagulant. SPS is used primarily for Microbiology specimens. Whole blood – send filled tube.