What type of specimen does a red topped tube produce?

A red-topped tube is typically used for the collection of serum specimens. When blood is drawn into a red-topped tube, it is allowed to clot, and after centrifugation, the liquid portion that separates from the clot is serum. Serum contains various components like electrolytes, hormones, and antibodies, and is often used in many laboratory analyses, including chemistry panels and serology tests.

Plasma, in contrast, is obtained from blood that has been treated with an anticoagulant and does not clot; therefore, it is not produced using a red-topped tube. Whole blood refers to the entire blood volume containing all components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which is not what the red-topped tube specifically extracts. White blood cells are a component of whole blood, so the red-topped tube does not specifically serve the purpose of isolating these cells either.