Which of the following is true regarding the functionality of red-topped tubes?

Red-topped tubes are specifically designed for serum testing purposes due to their lack of any additives. These tubes do not contain anticoagulants, allowing blood to clot naturally. When the blood clotting process is complete, the serum can be separated from the clot through centrifugation. This makes red-topped tubes ideal for tests that require serum samples, such as certain biochemical analyses and hormone tests.

For blood culture tests, other types of tubes, such as those containing special growth media to support bacterial growth, are preferred. Additionally, while minimizing contamination is important during sample collection, the recommendation to fill tubes to the top does not specifically apply to red-topped tubes; rather, it is a general practice for proper blood collection techniques. This further reinforces that red-topped tubes are primarily utilized for serum testing, making them valuable in many laboratory settings.