Which tube is used for drawing HgbA1C?

The lavender tube is the correct choice for drawing HgbA1C (hemoglobin A1C) because it contains an anticoagulant, specifically EDTA, which is essential for preserving the blood sample. This EDTA prevents clotting, allowing for accurate measurement of the glucose linked to hemoglobin over the previous two to three months, which is what the HgbA1C test assesses.

Using the lavender tube is important because the test requires whole blood, and the preservation of the sample is crucial for ensuring that the results reflect the patient’s average blood glucose levels accurately. This is particularly vital in managing diabetes, where the timing and method of sample collection can significantly impact the results and subsequent treatment plans.

Other tubes listed, such as light green, red, or gray, are not suitable because they either do not contain the appropriate anticoagulant for this test or may lead to clotting, which would compromise the quality of the sample for the HgbA1C measurement.