Purple Top Tube

Vacutainer (EDTA/PLAIN) is a sterile, evacuated blood collection tube (lavender/purple top) containing EDTA anticoagulant (K2EDTA or K3EDTA, 1.5-2.0 mg/mL blood) for hematology, blood banking, flow cytometry, and molecular diagnostics. Available in draw volumes 2-10 mL, glass or PET plastic, with color-coded stopper and sterile interior. EDTA chelates calcium, preventing coagulation while preserving cellular morphology. Primary clinical applications include complete blood count (CBC) and differential, blood typing and antibody screening (ABO/Rh, Coombs), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing, flow cytometry and immunophenotyping (CD4 counts), molecular diagnostics and PCR testing, sickle cell screening and hemoglobin electrophoresis, and parasitology (malaria smears). Critical safety precautions include filling to completion (correct blood-to-additive ratio), gentle inversion 8-10 times immediately after collection, never using for chemistry or coagulation testing, and proper disposal as biohazardous waste. Essential collection tube for hematology and immunohematology.