Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

What blood collection tube is primarily used for biochemical analyses?

1. Yellow top tube

2. Red top tube

3. Blue top tube

4. Green top tube

The correct answer is: Green top tube

The green top tube is primarily used for biochemical analyses because it contains heparin, an anticoagulant that is effective in preventing the blood from clotting. This property allows for the preservation of plasma, which is essential for many biochemical tests, as it provides a clear sample without being contaminated by cellular components. The plasma can then be analyzed with a range of biochemical assays, making the green top tube a preferred choice in laboratories for such purposes. In contrast, other tubes serve different functions; for example, the yellow top tube usually contains a serum separator and is more aligned with serological tests. The red top tube does not contain an anticoagulant and is commonly used for serum tests where blood coagulation is needed, while the blue top tube contains sodium citrate, which is primarily used for coagulation studies. Each tube has a specific use, thereby highlighting the green tube's distinct role in biochemical evaluations.