What is the preferred container for cyanide testing?

The preferred container for cyanide testing is one that helps preserve the integrity of the sample and prevent any potential degradation of the cyanide compound. Sodium fluoride (NaF), which is in the grey top tube, acts as an effective glycolytic inhibitor, preventing erythrocytes from metabolizing glucose to produce byproducts that could interfere with the cyanide measurement.

Using sodium fluoride also helps to stabilize certain analytes, including cyanide, for analysis. This stabilization is critical because cyanide can be rapidly metabolized in the body, leading to losses in the sample if not properly contained.

On the other hand, while other tube types may be used for various tests or preserve other components, they do not offer the same level of protection and stabilization for cyanide as the grey top tube does. Therefore, when selecting a container for cyanide testing, the effectiveness of sodium fluoride in stabilizing the sample makes it the preferred choice.