The Importance of Blood Collection Tubes in Medical Testing

What does an evacuated glass tube with a red stopper typically contain?

A) Anticoagulant B) Serum separator gel C) No additive D) Clot activator

Final answer: A glass tube with a red stopper typically contains no additive, meaning it is designed to allow blood to clot so that serum can be separated for testing.

In medical laboratories, the choice of blood collection tubes plays a crucial role in the accuracy and reliability of test results. Different tubes are used for collecting blood samples based on the specific tests that need to be conducted. One common type of tube is the evacuated glass tube with a red stopper, which serves a specific purpose in the testing process.

When a blood sample is collected in a tube with a red stopper, it signifies that the tube contains no additive. This means that the blood will naturally clot inside the tube, allowing the serum (the liquid component of blood) to be separated from the clot. This separation is essential for various laboratory tests that require the analysis of serum for specific markers, such as cholesterol levels, liver function, or hormone levels.

While tubes with red stoppers do not contain additives, it is important to note that other color-coded tubes may contain anticoagulants, serum separator gels, or clot activators. These additives serve different purposes in the blood collection process and are indicated by distinct color codes to ensure the right tube is used for each type of test.

Understanding the role of blood collection tubes and their additives is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and monitor patients' health conditions. By using the appropriate tubes and following correct procedures for blood collection, laboratories can ensure the reliability of test results and provide accurate information for patient care.