Specimen Tube Chart

Sodium Citrate

Plasma

Lt. Blue Top

Mix 3-4 times

Room temperature for PT/INR

All coagulation

*See instructions in NLL Test Directory

SST

Serum

Gold Top

Mix 5 times

Let stand 30 minutes, spin and refrigerate unless otherwise noted

All routine Chemistry

CMP, BMP, Hepatic, HDL, Electrolytes, BHCG, T3, T4, TSH, RA, LH, FSH, Prog, Iron, B12, Folate, CEA, PSA

Serum

Red Top

Mix 5 times

Let stand 30 minutes, spin, remove serum and refrigerate

All therapeutic drug testing

PST

Plasma

Lt Green Top

Mix 8-10 times

Spin and refrigerate

Must be used for Troponin T Highly Sensitive (Random)

Refer to NLL Test Directory for important collection and processing instructions

EDTA

Whole Blood / Plasma

Lavender Top

Mix 8-10 times

Refrigerate unless otherwise noted

Hematology and Blood Bank Testing

Ammonia (spin and remove plasma from cells immediately, freeze)

False-Bottom Transport Tube

Clear Top

Used for storage and transport of samples needing to be frozen or separated from gel-free tubes

Please label as serum or plasma