🩸 Interactive Phlebotomy Practice
Order of Draw Challenge
Build the order, test your tube knowledge, and learn why each step matters.
Build the Order
Tap the tube categories in the order they should be collected. Tap a placed item to remove it.
Learn the Sequence
The commonly taught venous order groups tubes by additive. Tube colors can vary by manufacturer, so always verify the collection system and your facility/laboratory procedure.
1. Blood cultures / sterile specimens — culture bottles or appropriate sterile collection.
2. Sodium citrate — commonly light blue; coagulation testing.
3. Serum — commonly red/gold/tiger-top depending on the collection system.
4. Heparin — commonly green.
5. EDTA — commonly lavender/purple.
6. Glycolytic inhibitor — commonly gray.
Why does order matter? The sequence helps reduce additive carryover between tubes, which can affect specimen quality and test results.
Which Tube?
Choose the commonly associated tube category for each test. These questions reinforce the sequence rather than replacing your laboratory's collection instructions.
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Keep Building the Skill
Order of draw is only one part of safe specimen collection. Patient identification, correct tube selection, fill volume, mixing, labeling, transport, and following the current laboratory procedure all matter.