Which tube is typically used for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)?

The red top tube is typically used for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) because it does not contain any additives that could interfere with the measurement of drug levels in the specimen. This tube allows for the collection of serum, which is the component needed for accurate analysis of many therapeutic drugs. The clear absence of anticoagulants helps in producing a clot in the sample, making serum available for testing.

In TDM, accurate and reliable drug levels are crucial, and the use of a red top tube assists in achieving this by providing a sample that reflects the patient's current medication levels without the potential interference from other substances that might be present in tubes containing additives. As such, it is the preferred choice in clinical settings where precision in drug level monitoring is essential for effective patient management.