What type of blood test can be run in both green and tiger top tubes?

The correct answer is the hCG - pregnancy test, which can be run in both green and tiger top tubes. Green-top tubes contain heparin, an anticoagulant that allows for the collection of plasma, while tiger top tubes (also known as serum separator tubes) contain a gel that separates serum from cells upon centrifugation.

hCG tests, used to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin, can be performed using either plasma or serum. Since both types of tubes facilitate the collection of the necessary specimens for this test, either can be used interchangeably in clinical practice. This versatility makes hCG testing suitable for both tube types, enabling healthcare providers to choose based on availability and laboratory protocols.

In contrast, tests like ammonia and troponin typically require more specific types of collection tubes to ensure the integrity of the specimen. Ammonia, for instance, usually requires a special handling procedure with a specific type of tube to prevent changes in ammonia levels post-collection. Troponin tests are more commonly associated with specific serum tubes that maintain the stability and optimal concentrations of the analyte. Type and Screen tests are generally conducted with specific tubes designed to preserve blood for crossmatching and compatibility, making them less flexible than