What does the color of a tube cap indicate?

The color of a tube cap is an important indicator of the type of additive contained in the tube. Different additives are used in various tubes to preserve or enhance specific components of the blood sample for analysis. For example, a red-capped tube may contain no additives, while a lavender cap usually indicates the presence of EDTA, which is an anticoagulant used for hematology tests. Each color corresponds to a specific function or type of test that will be conducted with the blood sample, guiding healthcare professionals to choose the appropriate tube for the required tests effectively. This standardization helps ensure accurate and reliable test results in a laboratory setting.