Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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Which evacuated tube stopper is manufactured with the lowest verified levels of trace elements?

Lavender
Royal blue
Light blue
Yellow

The correct answer is: Royal blue

The royal blue evacuated tube stopper is designed specifically to contain the lowest amounts of trace elements, making it an ideal choice for tests requiring minimal contamination from metal ions. This characteristic is crucial for accurate test results in assays that measure trace elements in the blood, such as lead, zinc, copper, and others. Laboratory tests for trace elements are particularly sensitive, and even minute levels of contamination can lead to misleading results. Therefore, the royal blue stopper has been manufactured to have the least potential to interfere with these assays, which is why it is often the preferred choice in clinical laboratories when collecting samples for trace element analysis. In contrast, the lavender, light blue, and yellow stoppers are typically used for other purposes, such as hematology tests or coagulation studies, and may not have the same low levels of trace contaminating elements. This specificity of the royal blue stopper is what makes it stand out when testing for trace elements.