Which tube contains anticoagulant EDTA?

The lavender top tube contains the anticoagulant EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid). EDTA is commonly used in hematology tests because it effectively prevents blood from clotting by binding calcium ions that are essential for the clotting process. This property is crucial for obtaining accurate results in various blood tests, particularly those related to blood cell counts or blood smears, where the integrity of the cellular components must be maintained.

In contrast, other tubes serve different purposes. The red top tube typically does not contain any additives and is often used for serum testing, allowing clotting to occur. The green top tube usually contains heparin, another type of anticoagulant, which is suited for different tests, particularly those requiring plasma. The gray top tube usually contains additives such as sodium fluoride, which is primarily used for glucose testing, and may also have other anticoagulants such as potassium oxalate. Hence, understanding the specific uses and contents of each type of tube is essential for proper specimen collection and testing procedures.