What blood test is commonly associated with the use of the lavender top tube?

The lavender top tube is commonly used for hematology tests, particularly for a Complete Blood Count (CBC). This is due to the tube containing EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that preserves the shape and integrity of blood cells, which is essential for accurate CBC results. The CBC involves measuring various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and requires a sample that has not undergone clotting, hence the necessity for an anticoagulant like EDTA.

In contrast, the other tests listed are typically not associated with the lavender top tube. Venous blood gas analysis generally requires heparinized samples, liver function tests are often done using serum samples which would require a serum separator tube, and serum chemistries usually rely on the use of a red or gold top tube to allow for clotting and serum separation. This alignment of tube type and test requirement reinforces why the lavender top tube is specifically tied to the CBC.