What is the color-coding for a tube containing heparin?

The color-coding for a tube containing heparin is green. This color indicates that the tube contains sodium heparin or lithium heparin, which are anticoagulants used to prevent blood from clotting during sample collection and processing. Heparin is particularly useful in tests that require plasma, as it offers a quick way to obtain plasma samples without the need for additional processing like the removal of a clot.

Correct identification of tube colors is crucial in phlebotomy, as using the proper tubes ensures accurate test results by avoiding contamination and interference from other additives. The other color choices do not pertain to heparin: red tubes typically contain no additives or a clot activator, blue tubes contain sodium citrate for coagulation studies, and yellow tubes may contain either asterile gel or a preservation solution, none of which are used for heparin.