Plain Tubes (Without Any Anticoagulant) and Fluoride Tubes for Collection of Blood

In laboratory settings, plain tubes without anticoagulants play a crucial role in various chemistry studies, including liver function tests (total proteins, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin) and renal function tests (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine). These tubes are also essential for assessing calcium levels, lipid profiles, electrolytes, hormones, and serum osmolality after serum separation.

In contrast, fluoride tubes are specifically designed for whole blood collection, primarily for blood glucose estimation. The addition of sodium fluoride (2.5 mg/ml of blood) inhibits glycolysis, maintaining a stable glucose level. Notably, sodium fluoride is often used in conjunction with anticoagulants like potassium oxalate or EDTA to prevent blood clotting and ensure accurate test results.