Some labs vary the sequence slightly (ie gold/red before blue), but this is CLSI's order of draw. Some people, unfortunately, pay no attention to the importance of order, and bounce back and forth between different colors of tubes. When that happens, it might be worth taking the time to ask some questions or find a different lab.
My rheumatologist usually orders tests for gold, green, and purple test tubes.
There are two ways of measuring Rheumatoid factor in bloodThe Agglutination tests. In this test blood is mixed with minute latex beads that have been covered with human antibodies. If there is RF, the beads clump together or agglutinate. Another agglutination test uses sheep's blood that has had its red blood cells covered with rabbit's antibodies, then mixes the blood being tested with it . If there is RF in the blood sample, the red blood cells clump together. This method is often used to confirm the presence of RF.The Nephelometry test. In this test a blood sample is mixed with antibodies cause the blood to clump if RF is present. A light beam from a laser is directed through the sample containing the mixture and the amount of light blocked by the blood sample is measured. The more clumping that occurs, the cloudier the sample and less light to pass through the tube.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that settle to the bottom of the test tube within the hour, the higher the sed rate. The sedimentation rate indicates that there is inflammation somewhere in the system.
Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Less than 40-60 u/mLLess than 1:80 (1 to 80) titerA low number (normal result) generally means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, these conditions still can still occur in some people who have have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood tests measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.The results of the rheumatoid factor (RF) test may be reported in titers or units:A titer is a measure of how much the blood sample can be diluted before RF can no longer be detected. A titer of 1 to 20 (1:20) means that RF can be detected when 1 part of the blood sample is diluted by up to 20 parts of a salt solution (saline). A larger second number means there is more RF in the blood. Therefore, a titer of 1 to 80 shows more RF in the blood than a titer of 1 to 20.Nephelometry units indicate how much light is blocked by the blood sample in the tube. A high level of RF causes the sample to be cloudy, so less light passes through the tube than when the RF level is low. So an RF level of 100 units is higher than one of 40 units.NormalNormal values vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in a day or two.Rheumatoid factor (RF) Titers1:20 to 1:80 Units14 units/mL to 60 units/mLPatients should check with their heath profesional to see what the normal range is for the lab that tested your blood.Rheumatoid factor is an immunoglobulin (antibody) which is able to bind to other antibodies. Rheumatoid factor is usually not found in the general population. it is only found in about 1-2% of healthy people. Rheumatoid factor increases with age and about 20% of people over 65 years old have an elevated rheumatoid factor.A blood test is done to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor. This is normally ordered to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is present in 80% of adults who have rheumatoid arthritis The incidence of rheumatoid factor increases with duration time: at 3 months the incidence is 33%, at one year it is 75%. Up to 20% of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers remain negative for rheumatoid factor (also known as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis") throughout their disease.Results are usually reported in one of two ways:Normal values are LESS than 60 U/ml.A low number (normal result) usually means you do not have rheumatoid arthritis or Sjogren syndrome. However, some people who do have these conditions still have a "normal" or low rheumatoid factor (RF).
Erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR), Westergren method,(Sed Rate) is blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of a special test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate.When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick together and fall more quickly than normal to the bottom of the tube.C-reactive protein test
erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR) Westergren methodA sedimentation rate is blood test that can detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It is a measurement of the red blood cells (erythrocytes) sedimenting in a tube over a given period of time. this test is referred to as an ESR.Red blood cells settle in the bottom of the test tube given time leaving leaving the blood serum visible above. The sedimentation rate is simply how far the top of the RBC layer has fallen (in millimeters) in one hour. The sedimentation rate increases with more inflammation.The normal sedimentation rate (Westergren method) for males is 0-15 millimeters per hour, and for females is 0-20 millimeters per hour. The sedimentation rate can be slightly more elevated in the elderly and is much lower for children.Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of a special test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins cause red blood cells to stick together and fall more quickly than normal to the bottom of the tube. These proteins are produced by the liver and the immune system under many abnormal conditions, such as an infection, an autoimmune disease, and cancer. There are many possible causes of an elevated sedimentation rate. For this reason, a sed rate blood test is done with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Once a sed rate blood test is conducted, the course of the disease or the effectiveness of treatment can be monitored.
The colour tube commonly used for fasting blood tests is usually a plain red or gold-top tube. These tubes do not contain any additives that could affect the results of fasting blood tests.
The blood specimen for a CRP test is usually collected in a lavender-top or clear tube with an EDTA anticoagulant. This tube is also sometimes referred to as a "purple-top" tube.
A light blue blood tube, also known as a sodium citrate tube, is typically used to test the International Normalized Ratio (INR). The sodium citrate acts as an anticoagulant, preventing blood from clotting so that accurate measurements can be obtained.
purple top
A laboratory test where venous blood is clotted in a test tube is called a serum clotting test. Once the blood sample clots, it is centrifuged to separate the liquid portion (serum) from the clot, which can then be used for various diagnostic tests.
what color tube to draw HepB titer blood test
The tube top color for an acid phosphatase blood test is lavender.
blue tube
green for chemistry
The blood sample for a Monospot test is typically collected in a red or tiger-top (serum separator) tube. The red color indicates that the tube contains no additives and is suitable for serum separation. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the testing facility.
A testosterone blood test is typically done using a red or gold/yellow tube. The test may be called a "serum testosterone test" or "total testosterone test" to measure the levels of testosterone in the blood.
The recommended color tube for drawing an A1C blood test is lavender.