Different colored tubes are used for blood collection, each containing specific additives that prepare the sample for analysis in a clinical laboratory. For evaluating hepatic health, serum is frequently required, often collected in tubes with a red, gold, or tiger-top (red/black or red/gold speckled) closure. These tubes may contain a clot activator and serum separator gel. After centrifugation, the serum, the clear liquid portion of blood without clotting factors, is isolated and used for a panel of tests that assess liver function.
Proper tube selection is crucial for accurate laboratory results. The additives in different tubes can interfere with certain analyses, potentially leading to skewed or inaccurate results. Using the correct tube ensures the integrity of the sample and the reliability of the subsequent liver function tests. Historically, glass tubes were common, but with advancements in phlebotomy practices, plastic tubes have become the standard, minimizing risks associated with breakage and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This standardization facilitates consistent and safer sample collection for laboratory analysis.
