What color tube is drawn fourth in the order of draw?

The correct answer is royal blue with a red stripe. In the standard order of draw for blood collection, specific tube types are utilized at different stages to prevent contamination of additives from one tube to another.

The royal blue tube with a red stripe is used for tests that require serum. It follows the gold/tiger/marble tube, which is the third in the order of draw and is used for serum testing as well. The fourth position ensures that any potential cross-contamination of additives is minimized, maintaining the integrity of the samples and the accuracy of the tests.

Understanding the order of draw is crucial for phlebotomists, as it helps to standardize the process and reduce errors in specimen collection, which ultimately affects the quality of laboratory results.