Final answer:
The additive in the tiger, speckled, or gold top tube is a substance called gel separator. Gel separator is a material used to separate the blood cells from the serum in a blood sample.
Step-by-step explanation:
The additive in the tiger-top, speckled-top, or gold-top tube is typically a gel separator and clot activator. These tubes, known as serum separator tubes, are used for various blood tests. The gel separator, usually composed of silica particles, facilitates the separation of serum from the clot during centrifugation.
This allows for clear serum collection without the need for additional pipetting. The clot activator promotes blood clotting, aiding in the separation process. These tubes are commonly used for tests requiring serum, such as chemistry panels.