Which tube is specifically recommended for TDM (therapeutic drug monitoring)?

In the context of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), the appropriate choice would involve a tube that minimizes the potential for interference and is suitable for serum testing. Typically, this is a plain red tube, which is free of additives that could affect test results related to drug levels in the serum.

The plain red tube allows for optimal collection of serum samples, making it ideal for measuring the concentration of medications such as antibiotics or psychotropic drugs, where precise levels are necessary for effective treatment. Since these measurements must be accurate to ensure patient safety and effective dosing, the use of a tube designed to specifically hold serum without any additives is crucial.

Other options presented do not align with the needs for TDM. For example, the lavender tube, while useful for collecting blood for tests like complete blood counts, contains EDTA, which can bind to calcium and alter drug levels in the sample. The green tube, containing heparin, can also affect certain assays. A dummy tube does not contain any credible functionality for blood draws or tests. Thus, a plain red tube stands out as the most suitable choice for TDM, ensuring precise and reliable measurement of therapeutic drug levels.