Our lab labels print with the appropriate tube description for each ordered test.
One night ED sent a dark green (sodium heparin) tube for a CMP. The label said “green”. I called to explain to the RN that “green” is the light green lithium heparin. A test requiring the dark green tube will say “dark green”.
“No” she said, ” the light green tubes are for the labels saying pistachio”.
We both laughed when I explained that PST means plasma separator tube, not pistachio.
Submitted by:
Patricia Shanks
Laboratory Technician
California USA
