What is the primary use of blood collected in a lavender tube?

The primary use of blood collected in a lavender tube is for conducting a complete blood count (CBC) and preparing blood smears. The lavender tube typically contains EDTA, an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting, which is essential for accurately measuring the various components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This type of testing provides crucial information about the patient's overall health and can help in diagnosing various conditions and diseases. Additionally, blood smears prepared from samples in lavender tubes allow for microscopic examination, which can be important in assessing blood cell morphology and detecting abnormalities.

In contrast, other types of testing listed, such as blood chemistry levels, coagulation factors, or blood glucose levels, are typically performed with samples collected in different tubes that contain other additives tailored for those specific tests.