What is the purpose of a plain red-top tube and when is it used?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of a plain red-top tube and when is it used?

This tests obtaining serum by letting blood clot. A plain red-top tube contains no additive, so the blood is allowed to clot and then is centrifuged to separate the liquid serum from the clot. Ser­um is used for many chemistry and serology tests that require no anticoagulant or gel. Letting the sample clot at room temperature and then centrifuging yields serum, which would not be obtained from tubes that contain anticoagulants. Other tubes with additives (like heparin, EDTA, or oxalate) are designed to prevent clotting or preserve whole blood, producing plasma or other specimens instead of serum.

This tests obtaining serum by letting blood clot. A plain red-top tube contains no additive, so the blood is allowed to clot and then is centrifuged to separate the liquid serum from the clot. Ser­um is used for many chemistry and serology tests that require no anticoagulant or gel. Letting the sample clot at room temperature and then centrifuging yields serum, which would not be obtained from tubes that contain anticoagulants. Other tubes with additives (like heparin, EDTA, or oxalate) are designed to prevent clotting or preserve whole blood, producing plasma or other specimens instead of serum.

More practice questions