Can a green top tube be used for a blood gas analysis?

The green top tube is a sodium heparin tube that is often used for various types of tests, including blood gas analysis. It is designed specifically to prevent coagulation and preserve the integrity of plasma for testing. In blood gas analysis, maintaining the sample's integrity is paramount due to the sensitivity of the measurements involved. Sodium heparin does not interfere with the gas measurements, making this tube suitable for such analyses.

Other tube colors, such as those designated for serum tests, would not be appropriate due to their potential to clot and thus affect the results. Therefore, the use of a green top tube for blood gas analysis is indeed well-founded within standard phlebotomy practices.