What color is used to identify blood collection tubes containing EDTA used by hematology?

What color is used to identify blood collection tubes containing EDTA used by hematology?

• A. Lavender and pink
• B. Light Blue
• C. Green
• D. Red

Answer: (A)

EDTA is the anticoagulant used to preserve blood cells for hematology tests, such as the complete blood count, by preventing clotting and keeping cells intact. The tube color signals this additive. For hematology, the standard EDTA tubes have lavender (purple) tops, and many labs also use pink-top tubes that contain EDTA for certain hematology and blood-bank related testing. That’s why both lavender and pink indicate EDTA tubes used in hematology workflows. Other colors point to different additives: light blue tops have sodium citrate, green tops contain heparin, and red tops are serum tubes with no anticoagulant.

EDTA is the anticoagulant used to preserve blood cells for hematology tests, such as the complete blood count, by preventing clotting and keeping cells intact. The tube color signals this additive. For hematology, the standard EDTA tubes have lavender (purple) tops, and many labs also use pink-top tubes that contain EDTA for certain hematology and blood-bank related testing. That’s why both lavender and pink indicate EDTA tubes used in hematology workflows. Other colors point to different additives: light blue tops have sodium citrate, green tops contain heparin, and red tops are serum tubes with no anticoagulant.