During your blood test, you may notice that the tubes used to collect your blood are various shades of blue. These colors do not simply appear. Every color cap on a blood collection tube serves a different purpose and aids labs in optimal blood management. In general, the red top tube and the gold top tube are the most commonly utilized tubes.
Red Top and Gold Top Tubes: What is the Difference Between Them?
At first view, they appear to be virtually identical. A doctor, nurse, or laboratory worker must understand the distinction between a red top tube and a gold top tube. If you use the wrong lab tube, the test findings may alter, the diagnosis may be delayed, or the patient may be required to retake the test.
