Green-top blood collection tubes are associated with which anticoagulant?

Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Green-top blood collection tubes are associated with which anticoagulant?

Explanation:
Color coding helps lab personnel quickly identify the additive inside. Green-top tubes contain the anticoagulant heparin (usually lithium or ammonium heparin), which prevents clotting by enhancing antithrombin III and inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa. This keeps blood in liquid form, so plasma can be separated readily for chemistry tests. Other tube colors use different additives—purple-top tubes have EDTA, blue-top tubes have citrate, and yellow-top tubes use ACD or SPS depending on the application.

Color coding helps lab personnel quickly identify the additive inside. Green-top tubes contain the anticoagulant heparin (usually lithium or ammonium heparin), which prevents clotting by enhancing antithrombin III and inhibiting thrombin and factor Xa. This keeps blood in liquid form, so plasma can be separated readily for chemistry tests. Other tube colors use different additives—purple-top tubes have EDTA, blue-top tubes have citrate, and yellow-top tubes use ACD or SPS depending on the application.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy