The specialty tube is not normally drawn with other tubes in order to avoid contaminating the test.
The following is a sample of some of the most common specialty tubes:
| Color | Additive |
|---|---|
| Pink | EDTA |
| Pearl | EDTA |
| Royal Blue-Red | Clot Activator (Serum) |
| Royal-Blue-Lav | EDTA |
| Orange | Thrombin (Serum) |
| Tan | EDTA |
Most of the specialty tubes are drawn with a separate device and using a separate venipuncture sight if other tubes are being used.
Specialty Tubes and Tests
The tubes and associated test are as follows:
| Color | Test |
|---|---|
| Pink | ABO, type&cross |
| Pearl | DNA, PCR |
| Royal Blue-Red or Lav | Trace elements, Nutrition, and Toxicology |
| Orange | Stat Serum Chemistry |
| Tan | Lead |
The tubes listed above are but a few of the specialty tubes used in venipuncture.
Make sure you check with your facility lab for any tubes you are unfamiliar with.
The Quantiferon tubes are normally drawn in a set of three. A grey, red, and purple. Some facilities may also use the Quantiferon Gold test, which is more precise and adds a fourth tube which is gold in color.
Be sure and check with your facility for the correct order for the Quantiferon, as it may differ between facilities.
Specialty Tubes Video
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