Blood Collection Tubes / Order of Blood Draw

Vacuum tubes with color coded stoppers indicating the additive contained are used for blood sample collections. In the Alphabetical Test Directory, the color-coding is indicated as well as the volume of blood sample required for each test.

When collecting blood samples it is important to allow the tube to fill completely and to follow the “order of draw” for tubes as indicated in the Blood Collection Tubes/Order of Draw chart. Never pour blood from one tube into another tube.

For blood collection tube requirements for tests ordered on the CLS Acute Care requisition, see Tube Type Quick Reference - Acute Care.