Blood tube recognition: order of draw

This page provides health professionals with the recommended order of draw when collecting and using blood tubes. Reference source for this is Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute H3A6.

When filling evacuated tube from a syringe, please use the blood transfer device. Gently invert tubes 6-8 times to ensure adequate mixing.

Microtainers are not suitable for all tests due to the small volume. For additional information refer to the pathology test list.

Expired collection tubes, containers and swabs must not be used – contact your Pathology Queensland laboratory with any queries.

An illustrative poster of the below items is also available—download the Blood tube specimen collection: Order of draw A3 poster (PDF, 349.8 KB).

  • Optimal recovery of microorganisms from blood is dependent on culturing adequate sample volume.

    3 blood culture bottles showing draw volume - yellow 4mL bottle, teal 10mL bottle, orange 10mL bottle

    M/C/S

    Paediatric

    1 x yellow O2 4ml

    Adult

    1 x green O2 10ml
    +
    1 x orange ANO2 10ml

  • Must fill to line.
    Paediatric citrate tube requires exactly 1.3mL volume.
    1.8mL citrate tube must be stored upright.

    3 citrate tubes showing draw volumes and a blank label on the side. 1.3mL tube with a thin light blue cap, 1.8mL tube with a clear cap over a light blue cap, 3.5mL tube with a thick light blue cap

    • COAG
    • INR
    • APTT
    • Anti-Xa
    • D-Dimer
    • Factor VIII
    • Factor IX
    • HITTS

  • 3 SST tubes showing draw volumes - 600 microlitre tube with a thick bright yellow cap, 3.5mLtube with a peach-coloured cap, 5mL tube that is longer than the others with a peach-coloured cap

    • CHEM20
    • ONC Profile
    • EBV
    • Anti HTLV
    • Toxoplasma
    • HEP B
    • HEP C
    • CMV
    • HIV
    • Syphilis
    • HSV I/II
    • VZV
    • Methotrexate
    • Cortisol
    • Gentamicin
    • Vancomycin
    • CRP
    • TNI

  • Serum (no gel) tubes showing draw volumes - 400 microlitre tube with thick, bright red cap, 2mL tube with a translucent red/pinkish cap, longer 6mL tube with a dark red cap.

    • Cold agglutinins

  • Trace element tube showing draw volumes and a blank label - 6mL tube with a dark blue cap

    Copper studies, zinc, selenium,
    aluminum

  • 3 lithium heparin tubes showing draw volumes - 600 microlitre tube with a thick mint-coloured cap, a 3mL tube with a pale green cap, a longer 6mL tube with a pale green cap

    Alternative tube for biochemistry
    tests in selected anticoagulated
    patients e.g. renal dialysis

  • 3 lithium heparin (no gel) tubes showing draw volumes - 400 microlitre tube with a thick green cap, 3mL tube with a translucent green cap, a longer 6mL tube with a dark green cap

    • FISH chromosomes (blood)
    • Karyotype
    • Cytogenetics
    • Plasma haemoglobin (2mL or 6mL)

  • PCR, manganese and molecular genetic tests require a dedicated sample and can't be used with any other tests.

    Transfusion must be in dedicated tube.

    4 EDTA tubes showing draw volumes - 500 microlitre tube with a pale pink cap, 2mL tube with a translucent pink cap, 4mL tube with a dark pink cap, 6mL tube with a pink cap and text that says 'Tube must be dated, timed and signed by the collector'
    Transfusion specimens -
    tube must be dated, timed and signed.

    • FBC
    • ADENO PCR
    • CMVPCR
    • EBVPCR
    • CYCA
    • TACRO
    • Posaconazole
    • CD34 Count
    • X Match
    • Group and hold
    • TMLOG
    • Manganese
    • Hep C PCR
    • Clozapine
    • Sirolimus
    • Everlimus
    • Chimerism Studies
    • Molecular genetic tests
    • HbA1c
    • Malaria screen

  • Fill tube to correct volume

    ESR tube showing draw volume - 1mL white tube with a dark grey cap and a blank label on the side

    ESR

  • 2 flouride oxalate tubes showing draw volumes - 600 microlitre tube with a thick light grey cap, 2mL tube with a translucent grey cap, 5mL longer tube with a beige cap

    • Glucose
    • Lactate

  • ACD yellow tube showing draw volume - 8.5mL tube with a blank label and pale yellow cap

    • Tissue typing
    • HLA
    • B27

  • 4 Quantiferon tubes showing draw volumes - 1mL tube with a dark grey cap, 1mL tube with a green cap, 1mL tube with a yellow cap, 1mL tube with a purple cap

    Tuberculosis (TB)

  • 2 blood gas syringes showing draw volumes - 3mL syringe with a pink ribbon and a clear cap, 1mL syringe with a clear and light blue cap

    Venous and arterial gases

Last updated: 22 May 2026