Which tube color is typically used for serum testing?

The tube color that is typically used for serum testing is red or gold. These colors are specifically designed for the collection of serum, which is obtained after blood has clotted. The red tube often contains no additives, allowing the blood to clot naturally for a clear separation of serum once centrifuged. The gold tube may contain a gel separator that facilitates the separation of serum from the cellular components once the sample is spun down. This makes both red and gold tubes ideal for serum-based assays, ensuring that the analytes are not influenced by the presence of anticoagulants, which would occur in other colored tubes like green or purple that contain additives.

Serum testing is critical in clinical diagnostics, as it provides valuable information on various health parameters. Therefore, understanding which tube colors are appropriate for serum collection is essential for accurate laboratory results.