What are the clot tubes?

Clot tubes are blood collection tubes that contain an additive that causes the blood to clot. This allows the serum, the liquid part of the blood, to be separated from the red and white blood cells and platelets.

Clot tubes are often used for routine blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a basic metabolic panel (BMP). They can also be used for more specialized tests, such as a blood culture or a coagulation study.

The type of clot tube that is used for a particular test will depend on the requirements of the test. Some tests require a specific type of clot tube, while others can be performed on any type of clot tube.

Here are some of the most common types of clot tubes:

* Red-top tubes contain no additives and are used for collecting whole blood.

* Serum-separator tubes contain a gel that separates the serum from the red and white blood cells and platelets.

* EDTA tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting.

* Citrate tubes contain an anticoagulant that binds to calcium, which is necessary for blood to clot.

* Heparin tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents the formation of fibrin, which is a protein that is involved in the clotting process.

Clot tubes are an important part of the blood collection process. They help to ensure that the blood is collected and processed correctly, which is essential for obtaining accurate test results.