CBC Blood Collection: Why Lavender Tubes Are Not Suitable

No.

Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting by binding to the calcium. Because a complete blood count (CBC) requires a blood smear to examine the red blood cells and platelets, EDTA is not the appropriate anticoagulant for this specimen type.

Instead, light blue tops containing the anticoagulant sodium citrate would be used for a CBC.