Which tube type is the exception to the inversion requirement because it contains no additives?

• A. Red top tubes.
• B. Gold top tubes.
• C. Lavender top tubes.
• D. Light blue top tubes.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that tubes with additives must be gently inverted after collection to mix the additive with the blood. The red top tube is the exception because it contains no additives, so there’s nothing to mix and no inversion is needed. The other tubes have additives that require mixing: the gold top has a clot activator and gel for serum, the lavender top contains EDTA for anticoagulation, and the light blue top uses citrate for coagulation testing. In all of these, inversion ensures the additive is distributed properly to produce accurate test results.