Collection tube

A medical collection tube is a sterile, plastic or glass tube used to collect and store blood or other bodily fluids for laboratory testing. The tube contains additives that help preserve the sample and prevent it from clotting. Different types of tubes are used for different tests, such as chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. The color of the tube cap corresponds to the type of additive and the test to be performed. Common types of collection tubes include EDTA tubes, serum tubes, plasma tubes, and heparin tubes. Proper collection, labeling, and handling of the tubes is essential for accurate test results.