What color is the tube used for coagulation studies?

The tube used for coagulation studies is light blue. This color of the tube typically contains sodium citrate as an anticoagulant, which is essential for accurately measuring the clotting factors in a patient's blood. Sodium citrate works by binding calcium ions in the blood, preventing coagulation during the testing process.

Coagulation tests, such as PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time), rely on the appropriate anticoagulation to provide reliable results. Using the light blue tube ensures that the blood sample is properly prepared for these tests, allowing healthcare providers to assess the patient’s clotting ability accurately.

The other tube colors serve different purposes and contain different additives that are not suitable for coagulation studies. For instance, red tubes typically do not contain any additives and are used for serum tests. Green tubes contain heparin, which is another anticoagulant but is not appropriate for coagulation studies that require the use of sodium citrate. Purple tubes often contain EDTA, which is used for hematology tests rather than coagulation testing. Thus, the light blue tube is specifically designed and validated for use in coagulation studies.