Which tube is identified by the royal blue color with a red stripe?

• A. Blood culture
• B. Trace element testing
• C. Coagulation studies
• D. Serological tests

Answer: (B)

The royal blue tube with a red stripe is specifically designed for trace element testing. This distinction is crucial because trace elements, such as copper, zinc, and lead, require that samples be collected in a manner that prevents contamination and interference from other substances. The royal blue tubes are manufactured with minimal trace element content and have special additives or coatings that help preserve the integrity of these delicate tests.

The other types of tests listed, such as blood cultures, coagulation studies, and serological tests, utilize different colored tubes that correspond to specific additives or processing requirements. For example, blood cultures typically require special culture media tubes, coagulation studies are typically collected in light blue tubes that contain sodium citrate, and serological tests often utilize red or gold top tubes for serum collection. Therefore, understanding that the royal blue tube with a red stripe is designated for trace element testing emphasizes the importance of the choice of container in phlebotomy procedures.