Phlebotomy Procedures: SST Tubes vs Red Top Tubes
Summary
SST tubes and Red Top tubes are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures.
SST tubes contain a gel separator that helps separate blood cells from serum, while Red Top tubes do not contain any additives.
Proper identification and handling of these tubes are crucial to ensure accurate Test Results.
Introduction
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from a patient for various medical tests, transfusions, or donations. It is a crucial part of healthcare as it provides valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring a patient's health. When collecting blood samples, phlebotomists use different types of tubes to store the blood depending on the tests that need to be conducted. Two common types of tubes used in phlebotomy are SST tubes and Red Top tubes.
SST Tubes
SST stands for serum separator tube. It is a tube that contains a gel separator at the bottom, which helps in separating blood cells from serum after the blood has been centrifuged. The gel forms a barrier between the serum and the blood cells, allowing for easy extraction of the serum for testing purposes.
Uses of SST Tubes
Common tests that require the use of SST tubes include liver function tests, lipid profile, hormone assays, and many others.
The gel separator in SST tubes helps to minimize cell lysis and hemolysis, ensuring the purity of the serum sample for testing.
Handling of SST Tubes
When collecting blood into an SST Tube, it is important to ensure that the tube is properly labeled with the patient's information and the type of test being conducted.
After the blood has been collected, the tube should be gently inverted 5-6 times to ensure proper mixing of the blood with the gel separator.
Red Top Tubes
Red Top tubes, also known as plain tubes or serum tubes, do not contain any additives or gel separators. They are typically used for collecting blood samples that do not require the isolation of serum from blood cells. The blood collected in Red Top tubes will coagulate and separate naturally over time.
Uses of Red Top Tubes
Common tests that may use Red Top tubes include basic metabolic panel, blood bank tests, and infectious disease testing.
Red Top tubes are also used for collecting blood samples for blood type and crossmatch tests.
Handling of Red Top Tubes
Similar to SST tubes, Red Top tubes should be labeled correctly before blood collection to ensure accurate identification of the sample.
After the blood has been collected, the tube should be allowed to sit undisturbed for a period of time to allow for natural coagulation and separation of serum from blood cells.
Conclusion
Both SST tubes and Red Top tubes play important roles in phlebotomy procedures. Proper identification and handling of these tubes are essential to ensure accurate Test Results. Understanding the differences between SST tubes and Red Top tubes, as well as their respective uses and handling procedures, is crucial for healthcare professionals involved in phlebotomy.
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