Blood test tubes, HIV?

I gave a blood sample for my hiv test yesterday in my doc's office. Today the nurse called me and asked to come to the office to get another blood sample because the lab called the sample was sent in the wrong tube. I went there and she said, the rules changed and they want the blood sample in lavender color tube. Is that normal? I am affraid about my first result being bad and that is wy they took another sample?

No, it sounds like a simple error.

If the first test result was abnormal and they needed to do a follow up test this would have to be 2 to 4 weeks later, not the next day.

I wouldn't worry about it at all! If they want to retest they will use the first sample you gave them! They always take more than enough!

Perfectly normal. Labs do not play games, they would have told you they need to take another sample because of a poor reading. Often labs change the colors as a quality assurance issue. The tech may have been new or just slipped and realized it was ib the wrong vial after the fact. Also it take longer then 24 hours to get results back. I know it is scary but stop worrying. You will be fine

Different colored tubes - red topped, purple topped, grey, blue....are all for different purposes and are used for different blood tests.....probably someone just messed up and drew your blood in the wrong tube. Sounds weird, but it's true.

I wouldn't be afraid, if I were you. Also the sample could have been handled wrong and coagulated or was not refrigerated properly.....lots of possibilities. Relax.

No that is not normal.I am a phlebotomy's and all HIV testing are done in an wider yellow tube a little bigger then the normal yellow tubes. Purple tubes are for CBC ( Complete Blood Count ) & stuff like that. Maybe they want to check ur cbc level.Hope everything comes out ok, good luck.

Don't worry. It happens. Yes, labs can change equipment that require the use of a different tube. I don't know if you know this but the tubes have additives in them...some cause clotting, others prevent it, some contain preservatives...get the idea?

A lavender color tube contains an anticoagulant called EDTA. If a sample that required that was sent in say...a red colored tube, then that tube could not be used for the test they want because the blood would be clotted.

Am I making sense?

Don't sweat it. HIV tests aren't done in lavender colored tubes anyway.

EMT

Just a note...after doing a little research, I found that some labs DO use lavender tubes for HIV testing. It's the equipment they use that requires this. I don't think it's too common and the red tops are still the ones that are used predominantly.

As I mentioned before, it is against the law to be tested without your consent. Of course, there are exceptions. Those are few and far between. If you are asked to take one, you have the right to refuse it.

HIV testing are done on a red top tube