Final answer:
A pink top tube is typically used to collect whole blood for laboratory tests, including CBC and blood chemistry panels. The tube contains an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting. The collected blood is sent to the lab for analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pink top tube is typically used to collect blood for certain types of laboratory tests. Specifically, it is used for tests that require the collection of whole blood, including tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry panels.
These tubes, also known as EDTA tubes, contain the anticoagulant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which prevents the blood from clotting. The EDTA preserves the blood sample and keeps it in a liquid state for analysis.
When a patient's blood is collected into a pink top tube, the tube is usually inverted several times to ensure proper mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant. After collection, the tube is typically sent to the laboratory for analysis.