Blood Collection Tubes

Plain - No Additive (Red): This type of tube does not contain any additives or anticoagulants, which allows for the blood sample to naturally coagulate. They are commonly used for various laboratory tests that require serum or clot formation. The absence of additives maintains the sample's integrity and also enables precise diagnostic testing and analysis.

Serum - Clot Activator (Red): A type of blood collection tube containing a clot activator additive. The clot activator activates the coagulation cascade and thus promotes the clotting of the blood. As a result, the serum separates from the clotted blood during centrifugation. The red-colored cap indicates the presence of this additive.

Serum - clot activator blood collection tubes are commonly used for tests that require serum samples, including some types of chemistry panels, hormone assays, and serology tests.

SSGT - Gel & Clot Activator (Yellow): A type of blood collection tube containing both a gel separator and a clot activator additive. During centrifugation, the gel develops into a distinct barrier between the serum and any cellular components, which allows for easy separation of the serum. The yellow-colored cap indicates the presence of this additive.

Gel & clot activator blood collection tubes are ideal for preparing serum for many types of tests, including chemistry panels, lipid profiles, liver function tests, and more.

Glucose - EDTA / Sodium Fluoride (Grey): A type of blood collection tube that is intended for the collection and preservation of blood samples for glucose testing. The tubes contain a combination of EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and sodium fluoride, which act as anticoagulants and glycolysis inhibitors. This combination helps ensure accurate and reliable glucose measurements.

Glucose - EDTA/ sodium fluoride tubes are used in clinical settings, such as for glucose monitoring in patients with diabetes or those with suspected glucose metabolism disorders.

EDTA - K2EDTA / K3EDTA (Lavender): A type of blood collection tube intended for the collection of whole blood samples for laboratory tests. These tubes contain EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) as an anticoagulant. The EDTA works by chelating calcium ions, which are necessary for the coagulation process, thereby preserving the blood sample in its liquid state.

EDTA - K2EDTA / K3EDTA blood collection tubes are commonly used in hematology and blood banking for tests like the complete blood count (CBC), blood typing, and cross-matching.

Heparin - Lithium Heparin / Sodium Heparin (Green): A type of blood collection tube containing heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin works by preventing coagulation and maintaining the sample in a liquid state. The addition of lithium or sodium to the heparin helps enhance the anticoagulant effect.

Heparin tubes are commonly used for tests that require plasma, like blood chemistry analysis and some coagulation studies.

PT - 3.2% Sodium Citrate (Blue): A type of blood collection tube that has been designed for coagulation tests, especially the prothrombin time (PT) test. Each tube contains a buffered solution of 3.2% sodium citrate as an anticoagulant, which works by binding to calcium ions. This action allows for the collection of plasma, which is used for coagulation testing.

ESR - 3.8% Sodium Citrate (Black): A type of blood collection tube that has been specially designed for the measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Each tube contains a buffered solution of 3.8% sodium citrate as an anticoagulant, which works by binding to calcium ions. ESR tests are often used to assess the presence or severity of inflammatory conditions.