printable labcorp tube color chart

Printable LabCorp Tube Color Chart

By Anthony WalkerFebruary 5, 2026

Ever found yourself wondering which color corresponds to a specific test tube in a LabCorp requisition? Navigating the labyrinth of medical jargon and technicalities can be daunting, but here's an easy-to-understand guide to help you find your way around LabCorp tube color chart.

Accurate specimen identification is paramount in healthcare, and color-coded tube labels streamline this process. Let's delve into the world of LabCorp tubes, explore the various colors, and their corresponding uses.

Understanding LabCorp Tube Colors

LabCorp employs a standardized color-coding system to make specimen identification hassle-free. Each color represents a specific type of collection, preservation, or transportation process.

an image of the color chart for different paints and their names in english or spanish

the blood collection tubes and their uses info sheet for each type of tube in this chart

the lab tube guide for laboratory testing is displayed on a white board with black writing

Here are the key colors you'll encounter and their primary purposes:

G Serbia Purple Tube

The purple tube is reserved for collection of virus and microbial cultures. These cultures are crucial for detecting and identifying infectious agents, assisting in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Example: Purple tubes are used for collecting specimens for tests like HIV, hepatitis, and flu cultures.

G Royal Blue Tube

The blue tube is designed for collection of blood specimens with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as the anticoagulant. EDTA prevents blood clotting, ensuring an adequate specimen for various hematological tests.

Example: Blue tubes are used for tests like Complete Blood Count (CBC), Platelet Function Analysis-100 (PFA-100), and Coagulation Profiles.

the different types of blood collection tubes are labeled in red, blue, yellow and green

Free Printable Color Palette Tracker | Kiari Studios Color Lab

an image of a table with numbers and colors

Tube Colors and the Tests They Are Used For | Phlebotomy USA

the different types of blood tubes are shown in this table listing out their various sizes and colors

Diving Deeper into Specific LabCorp Tube Colors

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore two more colors and their uses:

G Lavender Tube

The lavender tube is used for collection of specimens requiring gel separation. This allows for multiple tests to be performed on a single sample, making it highly versatile for various clinical scenarios.

Example: Lavender tubes are used for tests like lipid panels (e.g., cholesterol, triglycerides), alkaline phosphatase, and Lactic Acid.

the color chart for different types of dyes

G Tan/Beige Tube

The tan/beige tube, also known as a serum separator tube (SST), is used for collection of blood specimens intended for serum chemistry analysis. The gel at the bottom of the tube helps separate serum from blood cells during centrifugation.

Example: Tan/Beige tubes are used for tests like Glucose, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, and Albumin.

In the ever-evolving landscape of clinical medicine, it's crucial to stay updated and informed. Equipping yourself with knowledge of LabCorp's color-coding system arms you with a powerful tool to enhance your diagnostic journey. The next time you encounter a LabCorp requisition, you'll be ready to decode the tube color chart with confidence!