If the procedure requires the 5th draw, which color would you use?

If the procedure requires the 5th draw, which color would you use?

• A. Orange
• B. Green or tan
• C. Lavender or pink
• D. Red

Answer: (B)

In the order of draw, tubes are arranged so additives don’t contaminate the next tube, which keeps test results accurate. The fifth tube in most common protocols is a tube that carries heparin for chemistry tests, which is green. Some labs also use tan-top tubes for lead testing in the same position, so either color can be used as the fifth draw. That’s why green or tan is the best choice. Orange tops are rapid-clotting/thrombin tubes used for specific STAT scenarios, red tops are serum tubes drawn earlier in the sequence, and lavender/pink tops are EDTA tubes used for CBC or blood bank work, not typically the fifth in the standard order.

In the order of draw, tubes are arranged so additives don’t contaminate the next tube, which keeps test results accurate. The fifth tube in most common protocols is a tube that carries heparin for chemistry tests, which is green. Some labs also use tan-top tubes for lead testing in the same position, so either color can be used as the fifth draw. That’s why green or tan is the best choice.

Orange tops are rapid-clotting/thrombin tubes used for specific STAT scenarios, red tops are serum tubes drawn earlier in the sequence, and lavender/pink tops are EDTA tubes used for CBC or blood bank work, not typically the fifth in the standard order.