What color tube is primarily used for HIV testing?

The primary color tube used for HIV testing is typically the lavender tube. This tube contains EDTA, an anticoagulant that is effective in preserving the integrity of the plasma and prevents the blood from clotting. This is important for accurate testing, as it helps maintain the viability of the cells and the components in the sample, which can be crucial for the diagnosis of HIV.

The reason the lavender tube is favored over other color tubes is because it is specifically designed for hematology tests and certain immunology tests, including those for viruses like HIV. It allows for a thorough analysis of the blood without compromising the sample quality.

In contrast, options such as the gray tube are primarily used for glucose testing due to its additive of sodium fluoride, which is designed to preserve glucose levels in the sample. The plain red tube lacks any additives and is typically used for serum collection, while the SST (Serum Separator Tube) contains a gel that separates serum from cells upon centrifugation, making it suitable for various tests but not specifically for HIV testing.