Blood Tubes for Clinical Pathology

US Colour Code Description EU Colour Code
EDTA whole blood
Use for:
  • Fluid analysis
  • Cytology
  • CBC
Clotted blood
Contains a clotting activator but no anticoagulant
Use for:
  • Biochemistry
  • Serology
  • Zinc
  • Endocrinology
  • Electrophoresis
Lithium Heparin whole blood
Use for:
  • Ionised calcium
  • Lead
Glucose Determination (Fluoride)
Coagulation (Sodium citrate whole blood)