YNHH Laboratory Manual

This manual contains basic information on the substrate (e.g., blood, plasma, urine, etc.), collection container, and minimum volume for optimal performance of laboratory tests. (Note that when multiple tests are requested on a single specimen, the specimen volume needed may be less than the sum of required volumes for individual tests. Check with laboratory if obtaining adequate blood volume is problematic.) For tests with unique collection requirements, please contact the appropriate laboratory for special instructions and/or containers

Below are the tubes most commonly used for samples whose collection requires phlebotomy. When more than one tube type is listed in the manual the first listing is the preferred container. (Note: For stat electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, and glucose, a light green top tube is preferred. A gray top tube is preferred for fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, and routine outpatient glucose determination.) When drawing several different tubes, the preferred draw order is: blood culture, red top, blue top, yellow top, light green top, lavender top, Gray top

Updated: Sep-2007