Which type of tests is the gold or tiger top tube primarily used for?

The gold or tiger top tube is primarily used for serum tests because it contains a gel that allows for the separation of serum from blood cells once the sample has been centrifuged. This tube typically contains a clot activator, which helps to facilitate clotting, leading to the formation of a clear serum layer on top of the clotted blood. This serum can then be used for various laboratory analyses, such as chemistry tests that require serum as the specimen type. The ability to obtain serum efficiently makes this tube very valuable in routine laboratory testing for a variety of conditions, which is why it is associated with serum tests.

In contrast, coagulation tests require a different type of tube that generally contains an anticoagulant to prevent clotting, emphasizing the importance of using the appropriate tube for the specific test being conducted.