The Purple Tube Top is typically used for which type of analysis?

The Purple Tube Top, often referred to as the EDTA tube, is primarily used for blood bank and hematology analyses. This specific tube contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting, making it essential for tests that require whole blood or plasma. In hematology, tests such as complete blood counts (CBC) rely on the precise measurement of blood cells, which can be compromised if the blood clots.

In blood banking, the EDTA tube is crucial for type and crossmatch procedures and for obtaining samples for antibody screening and identification. These processes require that the blood specimen remains in a liquid state to ensure accurate and reliable results. Thus, the purpose of the Purple Tube aligns directly with the needs of both blood bank procedures and hematology, making it the correct answer. Other options may refer to different types of tubes—e.g., for serum or other analyses—but they do not relate specifically to the unique role of the Purple Tube in the context of blood banking and hematology.