Which tube should be used to collect blood for a sodium test?

Which tube should be used to collect blood for a sodium test?

• A. Gray top tube
• B. Green top tube
• C. Lavender top tube
• D. Gold top tube

Answer: (B)

The green top tube is the correct choice for collecting blood for a sodium test because it contains heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin works effectively to prevent blood from clotting while preserving the integrity of the sample for electrolyte analysis, including sodium levels. This anticoagulant is particularly suitable for tests requiring plasma, which is necessary for accurate sodium measurement. In contrast, the other options are not optimal for sodium tests. Gray top tubes are typically used for glucose testing due to the presence of sodium fluoride, which inhibits glycolysis. Lavender top tubes usually contain EDTA, which can interfere with certain tests by binding calcium and potentially affecting the results. Gold top tubes, which often have a gel separator and clot activators, are generally used for serum tests rather than those requiring plasma. Therefore, the green top tube is the best choice for ensuring reliable results in a sodium test.

The green top tube is the correct choice for collecting blood for a sodium test because it contains heparin as an anticoagulant. Heparin works effectively to prevent blood from clotting while preserving the integrity of the sample for electrolyte analysis, including sodium levels. This anticoagulant is particularly suitable for tests requiring plasma, which is necessary for accurate sodium measurement.

In contrast, the other options are not optimal for sodium tests. Gray top tubes are typically used for glucose testing due to the presence of sodium fluoride, which inhibits glycolysis. Lavender top tubes usually contain EDTA, which can interfere with certain tests by binding calcium and potentially affecting the results. Gold top tubes, which often have a gel separator and clot activators, are generally used for serum tests rather than those requiring plasma. Therefore, the green top tube is the best choice for ensuring reliable results in a sodium test.