What color are blood collection tubes that contain heparin?

What color are blood collection tubes that contain heparin?

• A. Purple
• B. Green
• C. Blue
• D. Gray

Answer: (B)

In blood collection tubes, the color of the stopper identifies the anticoagulant inside. Heparin tubes have a green stopper, typically containing sodium heparin or lithium heparin. Heparin prevents clotting by enhancing antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, so the blood remains as plasma. These tubes are commonly used when plasma chemistry tests are needed. For context, purple (or lavender) tops use EDTA for CBCs, blue tops use sodium citrate for coagulation studies, and gray tops use fluoride/oxalate for glucose testing. So, the color indicating a tube with heparin is green.

In blood collection tubes, the color of the stopper identifies the anticoagulant inside. Heparin tubes have a green stopper, typically containing sodium heparin or lithium heparin. Heparin prevents clotting by enhancing antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa, so the blood remains as plasma. These tubes are commonly used when plasma chemistry tests are needed. For context, purple (or lavender) tops use EDTA for CBCs, blue tops use sodium citrate for coagulation studies, and gray tops use fluoride/oxalate for glucose testing. So, the color indicating a tube with heparin is green.