Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

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Lavender tube tops are primarily used in the collection of what type of blood sample?

Serum samples
Whole blood samples
Plasma samples
Chilled specimens

The correct answer is: Serum samples

Lavender tube tops are primarily used for the collection of whole blood samples, particularly in hematology tests. These tubes usually contain EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which acts as an anticoagulant, preventing the blood from clotting. This is essential when performing tests that require whole blood, such as complete blood counts (CBC) and blood smears, because these analyses require the cells to remain suspended in the liquid component without coagulation. The context of why this choice is pertinent lies in the fact that serum samples are collected using different types of tubes, typically those with red or gold tops, which allow for clotting and separation of serum after centrifugation. Plasma samples, while they can be derived from lavender tubes as well, emphasize that the lavender tube's primary role is in preventing clotting to maintain whole blood for accurate testing for cellular components. Chilled specimens pertain to samples that need to be kept at low temperatures for stability but do not dictate the type of tube required for standard blood collection.