What is a blood collection that uses a lavender top tube typically used for?

A lavender top tube is commonly used for a complete blood count (CBC) because it contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that helps preserve the cellular components of blood. This is essential for obtaining accurate results in a CBC, which measures various aspects of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The use of EDTA ensures that the blood cells do not clot, allowing for precise enumeration and analysis of these cells.

Other tests listed, such as prothrombin time testing, blood type determination, and serum glucose testing, require different types of tubes. Prothrombin time testing typically uses a blue top tube containing sodium citrate, while blood type determination typically uses a red top or lavender top tube but can also depend on the laboratory protocol. Serum glucose testing is usually done using a gray top tube with a specific additive to prevent glycolysis. Thus, the lavender top tube's specific formulation makes it ideal for performing a complete blood count.