What type of sample is collected in a Lavender tube?

The lavender tube is commonly used for collecting whole blood samples. This is due to the presence of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as an anticoagulant in the tube's interior, which prevents blood from clotting. When whole blood is collected, it maintains the cellular components, including red cells, white cells, and platelets, along with the plasma. This type of sample is particularly useful for various laboratory tests, including complete blood counts (CBC) and other hematological studies, where the analysis of the blood cells and their interactions is crucial.

In contrast, plasma, serum, and platelets are collected and analyzed in different ways and with different types of tubes (e.g., tubes with or without clot activators), emphasizing why lavender tubes are specifically associated with whole blood collection.