Phlebotomy Tube Colors And Additives Test Quiz

Clinically Reviewed by Nicolette Natale
Nicolette Natale, DO (Medicine) |
Physician and Medical Writer
Review Board Member
Nicolette Natale is a dedicated healthcare professional with a diverse background in medicine and education. She holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, as well as Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Miami. With over 6 years of experience, Nicolette is a physician, research coordinator, and medical writer who is committed to advancing medical research and providing quality patient care.
, DO (Medicine)
By Jessicaamjm
J
Jessicaamjm
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 43,496
| Attempts: 43,499 | Questions: 49
Please wait...
Question 1 / 49
0 %
0/100
Score 0/100
1. PST stands for:

Explanation

PST stands for plasma separator tube. This type of tube is used in medical laboratories to separate plasma from the blood sample. The tube contains a gel or other material that, when centrifuged, forms a barrier between the red blood cells and the plasma. This allows for easy separation and collection of the plasma for further analysis or testing.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Phlebotomy Tube Colors And Additives Test Quiz - Quiz

Hey, check out this awesome 'Phlebotomy Tube Colors And Additives Test Quiz' we've created below. As you would already know, different tube colors in Phlebotomy tubes are used... see morefor different tests. While some have additives, others don't. How conversant are you with their use, and are you sure you won't get mixed up? Take up the quiz below and get to understand them better. All the best, and keep studying! Do not forget to share the quiz.
see less

2. Lavender tubes contain  

Explanation

Lavender tubes contain EDTA, which stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. EDTA is an anticoagulant that is commonly used in blood collection tubes to prevent blood from clotting. It works by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting process. By removing calcium, EDTA helps to preserve the integrity of blood samples and prevent clot formation. This allows for accurate testing of blood components, such as red and white blood cells, as well as various blood chemistry parameters.

Submit
3. What is the additive in light blue tubes?

Explanation

Sodium citrate is the additive in light blue tubes. Sodium citrate is commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes. It prevents blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting process. This allows the blood to remain in a liquid state, making it suitable for various laboratory tests. Sodium cyanide, sodium fluoride, sodium chloride, and sodium citracal are not typically used as additives in light blue tubes.

Submit
4. Sodium citrate is found in  

Explanation

Sodium citrate is found in light blue.

Submit
5. Red tubes that can be used as a discard tubes often contain:

Explanation

Red tubes that can be used as discard tubes often contain no additive. This means that these tubes do not contain any substances or additives that are used for specific purposes such as clot activation, plasma preservation, or gel formation. Instead, they are simply empty tubes that are used for discarding or disposing of samples or substances that are not needed or are no longer usable.

Submit
6. EDTA can be found in ........ tubes.

Explanation

EDTA can be found in Lavendar and Pink tubes.

Submit
7. Green tubes contain ........... additives.

Explanation

Green tubes contain sodium or lithium heparin additives.

Submit
8. Orange tubes contain:

Explanation

Thrombin is a protein that plays a crucial role in blood clotting. It is responsible for converting fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms a mesh-like structure to help stop bleeding by forming a blood clot. Therefore, orange tubes are used to collect blood samples for coagulation tests, as they contain an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting and allows for the measurement of thrombin levels.

Submit
9. Sodium citrate is a/an:

Explanation

Sodium citrate is classified as an anticoagulant. This substance is commonly used in medical laboratories to prevent blood from clotting during tests. It works by binding to calcium ions, which are essential for the clotting process, thereby inhibiting the formation of blood clots. Sodium citrate is particularly useful for preserving blood samples for analysis, as it maintains the integrity of the sample without interfering with the results.

Submit
10. Glucose is performed on ........ color top.

Explanation

Glucose is performed on a grey color top. The color of the top indicates the type of tube or container used for collecting and storing the sample. Different tests require different types of tubes to ensure accurate results. In this case, the grey top tube is specifically designed for glucose testing. The choice of the grey top is based on the specific requirements of the glucose test and the properties of the tube material that ensure proper preservation and analysis of the glucose sample.

Submit
11. SST is a ____________ and yields _________.

Explanation

The correct answer is serum separator tube, serum. A serum separator tube is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel barrier. When blood is collected in this tube and allowed to clot, the gel barrier separates the serum (the liquid portion of the blood) from the clot. This allows for easy separation and analysis of the serum, which contains various proteins, hormones, and other substances that can provide valuable diagnostic information. Therefore, the use of a serum separator tube yields serum for further testing and analysis.

Submit
12. Pink tubes contain:

Explanation

Pink tubes contain EDTA, which stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. EDTA is commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes. It works by binding calcium ions, which are necessary for blood clotting, preventing the blood from clotting. This allows the blood to remain in a liquid state for further testing or analysis. EDTA is particularly useful for tests that require whole blood or plasma samples, as it prevents the formation of clots and preserves the integrity of the sample.

Submit
13. Presence of anticoagulant yields:

Explanation

The correct answer is plasma because the presence of an anticoagulant prevents blood from clotting, allowing the liquid portion of the blood, known as plasma, to be obtained.

Submit
14. Which comes first?

Explanation

The correct answer is Red-non additive. In blood collection tubes, the red-non additive tubes are typically used before the red-clot activator tubes. Red-non additive tubes are used for various tests that require whole blood or plasma without any additives, while red-clot activator tubes are used for tests that require serum or plasma with clot activators. Therefore, the red-non additive tubes are used first in the blood collection process.

Submit
15. Light green tubes contain  

Explanation

Heparin is a substance commonly used as an anticoagulant in medical settings. It prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting the activity of thrombin and other clotting factors. The light green tubes mentioned in the question are likely referring to blood collection tubes that contain heparin as an additive. These tubes are used for various laboratory tests that require anticoagulated blood samples, such as blood gas analysis or certain chemistry tests.

Submit
16. Sodium fluoride is paired with .......... additive.

Explanation

Sodium fluoride is paired with potassium oxalate additive.

Submit
17. Yellow (Sterile) tubes contain 

Explanation

Yellow (Sterile) tubes contain SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate). SPS is an anticoagulant that helps prevent blood clotting by binding to calcium ions in the blood. This allows the blood to remain in a liquid state, making it suitable for certain laboratory tests. This type of tube is commonly used for blood culture collection, as SPS helps preserve and stabilize the blood sample for microbiological analysis.

Submit
18. Sterile tubes have ...... color tops.

Explanation

Sterile tubes have yellow color tops. This is because yellow tops are commonly used to indicate that the tube contains an additive called ACD (acid-citrate-dextrose) solution, which helps preserve the blood sample for certain tests. The yellow color serves as a visual cue for healthcare professionals to differentiate these tubes from others and ensure that the correct additive is used for specific tests.

Submit
19. Potassium oxalate is contained in ......... tube.

Explanation

Potassium oxalate is contained in a grey tube.

Submit
20. Sodium citrate is a/an _______.

Explanation

Sodium citrate is an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are substances that prevent blood from clotting. Sodium citrate is commonly used as an anticoagulant in medical procedures such as blood transfusions and dialysis. It works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, which are necessary for the clotting process. By inhibiting clotting, sodium citrate helps to prevent the formation of blood clots and maintain the fluidity of blood.

Submit
21. Correct order of draw.

Explanation

The correct order of draw for blood collection is important to ensure accurate test results. SPS (Sodium Polyanethol Sulfonate) tubes are used for blood cultures to prevent contamination, followed by SST (Serum Separator Tube) which contains a gel that separates the serum from the blood cells. PST (Plasma Separator Tube) is used for plasma tests, and EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) tubes are used for collecting blood for hematology tests. Therefore, the correct order of draw is SPS, SST, PST, EDTA.

Submit
22. SST tubes can be these colors: ________ and ________.

Explanation

The correct answer is red & black and gold. SST tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, are used for blood collection and have specific color coding to indicate the type of additive present in the tube. Red & black tubes are used for serum testing, while gold tubes are used for serum or plasma testing. These color codes help ensure accurate and reliable test results by indicating the appropriate tube for the specific test being performed.

Submit
23. Whole blood is collected in ......... color tubes.

Explanation

Lavender color tubes are used for collecting whole blood because they contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that preserves the blood cells for analysis in hematology tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC).

Submit
24. Acid Citrate Dextrose is an additive found in ........ color tubes.

Explanation

Acid Citrate Dextrose is an additive commonly found in yellow color tubes. These tubes are used in medical laboratories for various purposes, such as collecting blood samples for specific tests or procedures. The yellow color indicates the presence of Acid Citrate Dextrose, which helps to prevent the blood from clotting and preserves its integrity during transportation and storage. Therefore, the correct answer is yellow.

Submit
25. If a lithium test is ordered, what color tube should be used?

Explanation

When a lithium test is ordered, the recommended tube color for blood collection is typically orange. Different tube colors indicate different additives or coatings inside the tube that are used to preserve or process the blood sample for specific types of tests.

Submit
26. Which tube contains blood that is most like that inside our bodies?

Explanation

Lavender tube contains blood that is most like that inside our bodies because it is commonly used for hematology tests, which analyze the cellular components of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The lavender tube contains the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which prevents the blood from clotting and allows for accurate analysis of the blood cells. This tube is often used for complete blood count (CBC) tests, which provide information about the overall health and functioning of the blood.

Submit
27. A blood bank tube that contains _______ is _______.

Explanation

The correct answer is EDTA, pink. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes. It helps to prevent blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the coagulation process. The pink color of the tube indicates that it contains EDTA as the additive.

Submit
28. In what tube will you find ACD?

Explanation

ACD stands for Acid-Citrate-Dextrose, which is an anticoagulant solution used in blood collection tubes. The most commonly used tube for collecting blood with ACD is the yellow-top tube. This tube is specifically designed for preserving blood for DNA testing and is used for various laboratory tests that require whole blood or plasma. Therefore, the correct answer is Yellow.

Submit
29. Choose the correct order of draw.

Explanation



The correct order of draw ensures accurate and reliable blood sample collection for laboratory testing. Beginning with the yellow tube with clot activator prevents clotting, followed by tubes for specific tests like plasma separation, serum separation, and anticoagulated specimens. Proper order minimizes contamination and ensures sample integrity.
Submit
30. An anticoagulant found in glucose-collecting tubes is called ________.

Explanation

The correct answer is sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate. These two substances are commonly used as anticoagulants in glucose-collecting tubes. Sodium fluoride helps to inhibit the enzyme that breaks down glucose, while potassium oxalate prevents the clotting of blood. Together, they ensure that the glucose sample remains stable and can be accurately measured.

Submit
31. A tube that is vitally important for coagulation tests is ______, contains ______, and yields ________.

Explanation

Coagulation tests typically require blood samples collected in tubes containing an anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting. The most commonly used tube for coagulation tests is light blue, which contains sodium citrate as the anticoagulant. This tube is used to obtain plasma, not serum, as it prevents clotting by binding calcium ions necessary for coagulation.

Submit
32. Presence of clot activator yields:

Explanation

The presence of clot activator in a blood sample causes the blood to clot. As a result, the liquid portion of the blood, known as plasma, separates from the clotted portion. The clotted portion forms a gel-like substance called plasmic gel. After the clot is removed, the remaining liquid is called serum. Therefore, the correct answer is serum.

Submit
33. A clot activator that yields _______ in a green tube is called ________.

Explanation

A clot activator that yields plasma in a green tube is called heparin (sodium or lithium). The green tube is typically used for collecting blood samples that require plasma as the specimen, and heparin is a common anticoagulant used to prevent blood clotting in the tube. Serum, on the other hand, is obtained when the blood sample is allowed to clot and the liquid portion without the clotting factors is separated. Therefore, the correct answer is plasma, heparin (sodium or lithium).

Submit
34. Why should you choose lithium heparin as the additive when electrolytes are requested?

Explanation

Lithium heparin should be chosen as the additive when electrolytes are requested because lithium is not an electrolyte and will not affect the values in the blood. This ensures that the electrolyte levels in the blood are not altered by the additive, allowing for accurate measurement of electrolyte levels.

Submit
35. With STAT tests, a rapid-acting clot activator that can be used is called _________.

Explanation

Thrombin is a rapid-acting clot activator that can be used in STAT tests. It is an enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting. Thrombin is commonly used in laboratory tests to quickly initiate the clotting process and facilitate accurate results. EDTA, PPT, and Oxalate are not clot activators and do not have the same function as thrombin in STAT tests.

Submit
36. EDTA is  

Explanation

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is widely used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes. It works by binding to calcium ions in the blood, thereby preventing the blood clotting cascade from initiating. This makes it ideal for preparing plasma samples rather than serum, as plasma requires the blood to remain unclotted. Serum, in contrast, is obtained from blood that has been allowed to clot, and therefore EDTA is not used when serum is needed. Thus, EDTA is correctly identified as an anticoagulant that yields plasma, not serum.

Submit
37. Sodium polyanethole sulfate is found in ....... tubes?

Explanation

Sodium polyanethole sulfate is found in blood culture tubes. Blood culture tubes are specifically designed for collecting blood samples for culturing and identifying bacteria or other microorganisms that may be causing an infection in the bloodstream. Sodium polyanethole sulfate is an anticoagulant and a selective inhibitor of certain bacteria, making it an essential component in blood culture tubes to prevent clotting and enhance the growth of microorganisms for accurate diagnosis.

Submit
38. Correct order:

Explanation

The given correct order starts with "sst", followed by "orange", and ends with "pink".

Submit
39. PST is a ______________ and yields _______.

Explanation

A plasma separator tube is a type of tube used in medical settings to separate plasma from other components of blood. It contains a gel that acts as a barrier, allowing the plasma to be separated and collected for further analysis. The correct answer indicates that the PST yields plasma, which is the desired outcome when using this type of tube.

Submit
40. In the order of draw, anticoagulants are drawn before clot activators.

Explanation



True. In the order of draw, anticoagulants are typically drawn before clot activators. This sequence is important to prevent cross-contamination between tubes and ensure accurate test results. Anticoagulants prevent blood from clotting, while clot activators promote clot formation, so anticoagulants are used first to preserve the integrity of the sample for tests requiring unclotted blood.
Submit
41. Plasma separator tubes are what color:

Explanation

Plasma separator tubes are light green in color. This color is specifically chosen for these tubes because it helps in the separation of plasma from the blood sample. The light green color allows for better visibility of the plasma layer, making it easier for technicians to accurately separate and collect the plasma. Additionally, the color also helps in distinguishing these tubes from other types of blood collection tubes, ensuring proper identification and handling during laboratory procedures.

Submit
42. Pearl tubes contain .......... additive.

Explanation

EDTA is commonly used as an anticoagulant in pearl tubes. Anticoagulants prevent the blood from clotting, allowing it to be used for various laboratory tests. EDTA works by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting process, thus inhibiting clot formation. This ensures that the blood sample remains in a liquid state for analysis. Other options mentioned in the question either have different functions or are not commonly used as additives in pearl tubes.

Submit
43. Light green tubes contain:

Explanation

The light green tubes contain heparin with gel. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. The addition of gel in the tube helps to separate the plasma from the cells when the blood is centrifuged. This allows for the collection of clear plasma for further testing or analysis.

Submit
44. Serum is yielded in an SST because it contains ........ additive.

Explanation

The correct answer is clot activator and gel. Serum is yielded in an SST (Serum Separator Tube) because it contains a clot activator and gel. The clot activator helps to promote the clotting of blood, allowing the separation of serum from the rest of the blood components. The gel present in the SST acts as a separator, forming a barrier between the serum and the blood cells. This allows for easy and efficient separation of serum, which can then be used for various diagnostic tests.

Submit
45. If electrolytes are requested, what tube is needed?

Explanation

Lithium heparin is the correct answer because it is a type of tube that is used for collecting blood samples for electrolyte testing. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting, and lithium heparin specifically contains lithium ions which help preserve the stability of certain electrolytes in the blood sample. This tube is commonly used for tests such as electrolyte panels, which measure the levels of ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood.

Submit
46. Orange tubes yield ______ because they contain _________.

Explanation

Orange tubes yield serum because they contain a clot activator. The clot activator helps in the separation of blood cells from the serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood that does not contain clotting factors. This allows for the collection of clear serum for various diagnostic tests, as the clotting factors have been removed.

Submit
47. Clot activator and gel can be found in:

Explanation

Clot activator and gel can typically be found in the color-coded tubes used for blood collection in clinical laboratories. These tubes are commonly known as "serum separator tubes" or "SST" tubes, and they are typically gold or red in color. The gel in these tubes helps to separate serum from other blood components (such as cells) after centrifugation, and the clot activator promotes blood clotting to facilitate the separation process.
Submit
48. A clot activator tube without gel that comes after yellow but before orange is ....... color.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Red-clot activator." In the given question, it is stated that the tube comes after yellow but before orange, indicating its position in the order of colors. The color of the tube is red, and it contains a clot activator, which helps in the process of blood clotting.

Submit
49. PST (plasma separator tube) contains ______, yields _______, and has .......... color top.

Explanation

A PST (plasma separator tube) contains lithium heparin, which is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. When blood is centrifuged in a PST, it separates into two components - plasma and serum. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains proteins, electrolytes, and other substances, while serum is the clear yellowish fluid that remains after the clotting factors have been removed from the plasma. The top color of a PST is green. Therefore, the correct answer is "lithium heparin, plasma, green."

Submit
View My Results
Nicolette Natale |DO (Medicine) |
Physician and Medical Writer
Nicolette Natale is a dedicated healthcare professional with a diverse background in medicine and education. She holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, as well as Bachelor's degrees in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Miami. With over 6 years of experience, Nicolette is a physician, research coordinator, and medical writer who is committed to advancing medical research and providing quality patient care.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jul 16, 2024 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jul 16, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Nicolette Natale
  • Nov 19, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Jessicaamjm
Cancel
  • All
    All (49)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
PST stands for:
Lavender tubes contain  
What is the additive in light blue tubes?
Sodium citrate is found in  
Red tubes that can be used as a discard tubes often contain:
EDTA can be found in ........ tubes.
Green tubes contain ........... additives.
Orange tubes contain:
Sodium citrate is a/an:
Glucose is performed on ........ color top.
SST is a ____________ and yields _________.
Pink tubes contain:
Presence of anticoagulant yields:
Which comes first?
Light green tubes contain  
Sodium fluoride is paired with .......... additive.
Yellow (Sterile) tubes contain 
Sterile tubes have ...... color tops.
Potassium oxalate is contained in ......... tube.
Sodium citrate is a/an _______.
Correct order of draw.
SST tubes can be these colors: ________ and ________.
Whole blood is collected in ......... color tubes.
Acid Citrate Dextrose is an additive found in ........ color tubes.
If a lithium test is ordered, what color tube should be used?
Which tube contains blood that is most like that inside our bodies?
A blood bank tube that contains _______ is _______.
In what tube will you find ACD?
Choose the correct order of draw.
An anticoagulant found in glucose-collecting tubes is called ________.
A tube that is vitally important for coagulation tests is ______,...
Presence of clot activator yields:
A clot activator that yields _______ in a green tube is called...
Why should you choose lithium heparin as the additive when...
With STAT tests, a rapid-acting clot activator that can be...
EDTA is  
Sodium polyanethole sulfate is found in ....... tubes?
Correct order:
PST is a ______________ and yields _______.
In the order of draw, anticoagulants are drawn before clot activators.
Plasma separator tubes are what color:
Pearl tubes contain .......... additive.
Light green tubes contain:
Serum is yielded in an SST because it contains ........ additive.
If electrolytes are requested, what tube is needed?
Orange tubes yield ______ because they contain _________.
Clot activator and gel can be found in:
A clot activator tube without gel that comes after yellow but...
PST (plasma separator tube) contains ______, yields _______, and has...
Alert!

Advertisement