Which blood collection tube would you use for an HIV test?

The choice of a gold or tiger top tube for an HIV test is correct because these tubes contain a gel separator and are used for serum testing. The gold or tiger top tubes are designed for tests that require serum, which is obtained after clotting the blood and then centrifuging the sample. The gel in these tubes helps to separate the serum from the cellular components of the blood, ensuring that the sample is ready for testing without contamination.

HIV testing typically involves measuring antibodies or antigens in the serum, making these tubes preferable. Additionally, the additives in the gold or tiger top tubes facilitate proper clot formation and separation, which is crucial for accurate test results.

In contrast, other tubes, such as green top tubes (which contain heparin), are used for plasma tests, while lavender top tubes (which contain EDTA) are typically used for hematological tests. Light blue top tubes, which contain sodium citrate, are specifically designed for coagulation studies and would not be suitable for HIV testing.