Which specimen is suggested for organ transplant tests?

The yellow top tube is the appropriate choice for organ transplant tests primarily because it contains a additive that is specifically suited for blood culture and serological tests. This tube typically contains sodium polyanetholesulfonate (SPS), which helps preserve the presence of microorganisms in the blood, making it ideal for tests that may assess transplant compatibility or detect infections post-transplant.

For organ transplants, it is crucial to ensure that the donor and recipient are compatible, which often involves typing and crossmatching to prevent organ rejection and monitor for infections. Tests conducted using specimens collected in yellow top tubes can provide essential information in this context.

The other tube types serve different purposes: the light green top tube contains lithium heparin for plasma testing, the gray top tube typically contains potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride for glucose testing, and the gold top tube generally contains a gel for serum separation used in a variety of tests unrelated to transplant compatibility or infection detection. Each tube has its specific uses based on the type of tests being performed, making the yellow top tube the most suitable choice for the indicated testing in organ transplantation.