What does sample type mean on a lab report?
Sample type tells you how your blood or urine was prepared for testing. Different tests need blood prepared in different ways, like needing different ingredients for different recipes. The lab picks the right sample for each test, so seeing this column is a good sign [CLSI, 2010].
Last reviewed: 2026-08-16
What do EDTA, serum and plasma actually mean?
EDTA whole blood is collected in a tube with an additive that stops it clotting. It is used for a blood count.
Serum is the liquid left after blood clots. Plasma is the liquid kept when clotting is prevented. Many chemistry tests use serum or plasma [CLSI, 2010].
Why does the sample type matter for my result?
Some substances differ between whole blood, serum and plasma. If the wrong tube is used, the result can be affected [CLSI, 2010].
Your lab's collection staff know which tube each test needs. This column confirms they used the right one.
Is seeing the sample type a good sign?
Yes. Showing the sample type is a quality signal. It means the lab is being open about how your test was run.
You do not need to act on this column. It is there for the lab's checks and for your doctor.
| Sample type | How it is prepared | Common tests that use it |
|---|---|---|
| EDTA whole blood | An additive prevents clotting | Blood count (CBC), HbA1c |
| Serum | Clotting allowed, then the fluid is separated | Cholesterol, liver tests |
| Plasma | An additive prevents clotting, then the fluid is separated | Coagulation tests |
| Urine | A midstream catch | Urine routine, microalbumin |
Frequently asked questions
- Why was my blood taken in different tubes?
- Different tests need different samples, so several tubes are drawn at once, each with the right additive for its tests.
- Does fasting change the sample type?
- No. Fasting affects some values, not which tube is used. The same tube is drawn whether you fasted or not.
- Why did the lab ask for a repeat sample?
- Sometimes a sample clots or is not suitable for a test, so a fresh sample of the right type is needed.
- Is a urine test a sample type too?
- Yes. Urine is its own kind of sample, used for urine tests. The report names it just like blood samples.
Sources
- CLSI (2010) — Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (reference intervals, methods, specimen handling)
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