For vancomycin level testing, a serum sample is typically collected using a red-top or gold-top vacutainer. The red-top contains no additives, while the gold-top contains a gel separator that allows for serum separation after centrifugation. It's important to ensure the sample is properly processed to obtain accurate results. Always check with your specific laboratory guidelines for any updates or variations.
Yellow or serum tube
A lavender or purple tube top is typically used for collecting blood samples for vancomycin trough levels.
A gold or red-top vacutainer tube is typically used for a basic metabolic panel (BMP) blood draw.
For a Depakote (valproic acid) level test, you should use a lavender or purple-top vacutainer, which contains EDTA as an anticoagulant. This type of tube is suitable for collecting whole blood or plasma samples for therapeutic drug monitoring. Always check with your specific laboratory protocols, as practices may vary.
red top tube.
The fourth color Vacutainer tube in the order of blood draw is typically the green-top tube, which contains lithium heparin as an anticoagulant. It is usually used for chemistry tests that require plasma.
A green-top vacutainer tube (or sometimes a pink-top tube) is typically used for collecting blood samples for lithium level testing. The green tube usually contains lithium heparin as an anticoagulant for plasma testing, while the pink tube may contain EDTA if plasma separation is not required. The specific tube color may vary depending on the lab's protocols, so it's best to confirm with the lab where the test will be performed.
The vacutainer for a TSH test is usually a red and gray or gold top tube, which contains a gel separator. The test should be done in the morning as TSH levels tend to be higher at this time.
Red top, no gel.
A red-top tube is typically used to draw blood for a vancomycin trough level. However, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory.
24 hours
For vancomycin trough levels, the recommended color tube is typically a red-top tube, which is a serum tube without additives. However, some laboratories may allow the use of a gold-top tube (SST) for serum collection as well. Always check the specific protocols of the laboratory you are using, as practices may vary.