What Are Three Chemical Substances That May Be Added to Collection Tubes

Tube cap colorAdditiveRed or gold (mottled or “tiger” top used with some tubes)Serum tube with or without clot activator or gelGreenSodium or lithium heparin with or without gelLavender or pinkPotassium EDTAGraySodium fluoride, and sodium or potassium oxalate

What substance is in the collection tube?

Blood collection tubes containing heparin, which stabilizes the red blood cell membranes, are used for specialized hematology studies, such as red cell fragility tests and several specialized chemistry tests.

What is the chemical substance which can be found in a specific blood collection tube which works to prevent blood clotting?

Anticoagulant. Anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, are chemical substances that prevent or reduce coagulation of blood, prolonging the clotting time.