Comprehensive guide to vacutainers, specimen containers, and sample handling.
| Sample Type | Vacutainer | Anticoagulant | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Lavender | EDTA | 2ml / 5ml* |
| H | Gold | SST / Gel | 5ml |
| U | Light Blue | Citrate | 4.5ml |
| F | Red | None | 5ml |
| G | Grey | Fluoride Oxalate | 2ml / 5ml |
| L | Green | Lithium Heparin | 5ml |
| K | Dark Blue | Trace Metal | 7ml |
* 6ml EDTA tubes are used for specific PCR assays.
| Sample Type | Description |
|---|---|
| HC | Whole blood kept in ambient temperature. |
| L | Light protected sample is required. Do not tube/transport via pneumatic air systems. |
| X | Timed appointment required. |
| HP | Heparin Plasma. |
| LP | Liquid Plasma. |
| RU | Random Urine. |
| MU | Mid-stream Urine. |
| FCHU | First-catch hot urine (specifically for Chlamydia/GC PCR testing). |
| 24U | 24-hour Urine collection (total volume must be recorded). |
| PU | Plain Urine / Boric Acid Urine tube. |
| EMU | Early Morning Urine (first voided sample of the day). |
| SD | Sputum / Saliva / Swab sample. |
| TPU | Triple PCR Swab collection. |
| SEM | Semen sample. Must be delivered to the lab within 1 hour. |
| GS | Genital Swab. |
| VS | Vaginal Swab. |
| PCR | PCR Swab for Chlamydia / Gonorrhea screening. |
| MS | Mouth Swab / Saliva collection. |
| AF | Amniotic Fluid (must be provided by laboratory). |
| Ure | Ureaplasma / Mycoplasma. |
| UCYT | Urine Cytology sample container. |
