Specimen Labeling

	1. Mottled red/gray or cherry red-top (serum-separator) tube: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Do not use serum-separator tubes to submit specimens for which tricyclic antidepressant levels are requested. Always check the test description to determine whether a serum-separator tube is acceptable. Use: Serum. May be used for assays requiring serum unless otherwise stated. Separate serum from cells within 45 min. of venipuncture. Serum may be sent in the tube with an intact barrier or in a plastic transport tube.
	2. Lavender-top tube: Contains liquid K3 EDTA. Use: EDTA whole blood or plasma. Send plasma in a plastic transport tube labeled “Plasma, EDTA.” Send whole blood in a lavender-stopper tube.
	3. Gray-top tube: Contains sodium fluoride, a preservative, and potassium oxalate, an anticoagulant. Use: Sodium fluoride whole blood or plasma. Send plasma in a plastic transport tube labeled “Plasma, Sodium Fluoride.” Send whole blood in a gray-stopper tube.
	4. Light Blue-top tube: Contains sodium citrate. Use: Sodium citrate plasma. Send plasma in a plastic transport tube labeled “Plasma, Sodium Citrate.” Send whole blood in a light blue-stopper tube.
	5. Green-top tube: Contains sodium heparin or lithium heparin. Use: Heparinized whole blood or plasma. Send plasma in a plastic transport tube labeled “Plasma, Sodium Heparin” or “Plasma Lithium Heparin”. Send whole blood in a green-stopper tube.
	6. Yellow-top tube: Contains 1 mL acid citrate dextrose (ACD) solution. Use: ACD whole blood. Send whole blood in a yellow-stopper tube.
	7. Royal blue-top: May contain sodium heparin for trace metal studies. Use: Heparinized whole blood. Send whole blood in a royal blue-stopped tube.
	8. Red-top tube: Contains no anticoagulant or preservative. Use: Serum or clotted whole blood. Serum must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of venipuncture. Send serum in a plastic transport tube.
	9. Clean transport tube: Self-explanatory. Use: Separate serum or plasma for transport to laboratory.
	10. 24 Hours Urine Collection: Self-explanatory. Use: Discard first AM specimen. Every specimen after the first is placed in the container (refrigerate in between). The next AM specimen is placed in container.
	11. Non Sterile Urine Cup (green top): Self-explanatory, not for culture collection. Use: Clean hands. Wash/clean aria. Allow urine to flow, catch in mid-stream. Cap container immediately. Refrigerate specimens.
	12. Sterile Urine Cup (clean top): Self-explanatory, for culture collection only. Use: Clean hands. Wash/clean aria. Allow urine to flow, catch in mid-stream. Cap container immediately. Refrigerate specimens.
	13. Culture Transport Swab: Throat culture collection. Use: Patient should open mouth wide. Use tongue depressor to hold tongue. Swab both sides of tonsil area and any puss areas.
	14. Non Sterile Urine Tube (yellow top): Self-explanatory, not for culture collection. Transport tube for urinalysis. Use: Fill tube with urine and label with patient’s name.
	15. Collection Kit for Ova and Parasite: This kit will help you conveniently collect a stool specimen. Use: Open the tube containing the liquid. Use the collection spoon built into the lid of the tube, place small scoopfuls of stool which appear bloody, slimy or watery into the tube until the contents rise to the red line. Mix the contents of the tube, twist the cap tightly and shake the tube vigorously until the contents are well mixed. Repeat 5 to 6 times for each tube which contains liquid. Mark the labels on the tubes with the identification information requested.