Answer: The green top tube typically contains the additive sodium heparin or lithium heparin.
Step-by-step explanation:
1) Green top tube: The green top tube is a type of blood collection tube used in medical laboratories for various tests. It is often used for collecting blood samples for chemistry tests, such as electrolyte measurements or liver function tests.
2) Additives: Blood collection tubes often contain additives that help preserve the integrity of the blood sample and prevent clotting. These additives are chosen based on the specific tests that will be performed on the blood sample.
3) Sodium heparin: The green top tube is commonly associated with the additive sodium heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which means it prevents blood from clotting. Sodium heparin is used to keep the blood in a liquid state, ensuring that the sample remains suitable for testing.
4) Lithium heparin: In some cases, the green top tube may contain lithium heparin instead of sodium heparin. Lithium heparin also acts as an anticoagulant and is used for similar purposes as sodium heparin.
In summary, the green top tube typically contains either sodium heparin or lithium heparin as an additive. These additives prevent blood from clotting, allowing for accurate testing of the blood sample.