Phlebotomist how-to
How to Follow the Order of Draw
Filling tubes in the wrong order can carry additives from one tube into the next and corrupt test results.
Filling tubes in the wrong order can carry additives from one tube into the next and corrupt test results. In short: blood; light-blue; red, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Blood culture bottles or sterile tubes first.
Light-blue top (sodium citrate) for coagulation tests.
Red or gold top (serum, with or without clot activator or gel).
Green top (heparin).
Lavender or pink top (EDTA).
Gray top (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) for glucose and lactate.
Gently invert each additive tube the number of times the manufacturer specifies. Never shake.
Safety reminders for phlebotomists
- Follow OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and treat every sample as potentially infectious
- Use safety-engineered needles and dispose of sharps immediately
- Report needlestick injuries right away so post-exposure care can begin
- Label specimens at the bedside. Never pre-label tubes
Key terms
Venipuncture · Antecubital fossa · Order of draw · Evacuated tube · EDTA (lavender top) · Hemolysis: see the full phlebotomist glossary.