Key Differences in Blood Samples Collected in SST Tube versus Red Top Tube: Exploring Clinical Lab Testing Tubes
Summary
- Blood samples collected in a SST Tube contain a gel separator that separates the serum from the blood cells, making it ideal for various clinical lab tests.
- Red Top tubes are used for collecting whole blood samples that do not need to be separated, such as blood bank testing or for storing whole blood for future use.
- The type of blood samples collected in each tube can vary based on the specific tests being conducted by healthcare professionals in home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States.
Differences in Blood Samples Collected in SST Tube versus Red Top Tube
When it comes to collecting blood samples for various tests in healthcare settings, different types of tubes are used depending on the requirements of the specific test. Two common types of tubes used for collecting blood samples are the Serum Separator Tube (SST) and the Red Top Tube. While both tubes are used for collecting blood samples, they serve different purposes based on the type of tests that need to be conducted. Let's explore the key differences in the types of blood samples collected in a SST Tube versus a Red Top tube:
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
The Serum Separator Tube, commonly known as the SST Tube, is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel separator. This gel separator helps in separating the serum from the blood cells once the blood sample is centrifuged. The serum is the liquid component of the blood that remains after the blood clots and the blood cells are separated from it. The SST Tube is used for various clinical lab tests that require the serum component of the blood to be analyzed.
Types of Blood Samples Collected in SST Tube:
- Chemistry Panel: The SST Tube is commonly used for collecting blood samples for chemistry panels. This includes tests such as glucose levels, electrolyte levels, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lipid profiles.
- Hormone Testing: Blood samples collected in SST tubes can also be used for hormone testing, such as thyroid function tests or reproductive hormone tests.
- Immunology Tests: Some immunology tests, like Allergy Testing or testing for autoimmune disorders, may require blood samples collected in SST tubes.
- Serological Tests: Serological tests, including tests for Infectious Diseases like hepatitis or HIV, may also utilize blood samples collected in SST tubes.
Red Top Tube
The Red Top Tube, also known as the plain tube, is a blood collection tube that does not contain any additives or gel separator. This tube is primarily used for collecting whole blood samples that do not need to be separated into components. The blood collected in a Red Top tube can be used for various tests that require whole blood or specific blood components to be analyzed without the need for serum separation.
Types of Blood Samples Collected in Red Top Tube:
- Blood Bank Testing: Red Top tubes are commonly used for collecting blood samples for blood bank testing, such as blood typing, cross matching, and compatibility testing for blood transfusions.
- Coagulation Testing: Some coagulation tests, like Prothrombin Time (PT) or Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), may require blood samples collected in Red Top tubes.
- DNA Testing: Blood samples collected in Red Top tubes can be used for DNA testing or Genetic Testing, as the whole blood contains DNA that can be analyzed for genetic markers.
- Storage for Whole Blood: Red Top tubes are also used for collecting whole blood samples that need to be stored for future use, such as for additional testing or for creating a blood bank of donor samples.
Conclusion
Overall, the key differences in the types of blood samples collected in a SST Tube versus a Red Top tube lie in their purpose and the specific tests that they are used for. The SST Tube with a gel separator is ideal for collecting blood samples for chemistry panels, hormone testing, immunology tests, and serological tests that require serum separation. On the other hand, the Red Top tube is used for collecting whole blood samples that do not need to be separated, such as for blood bank testing, coagulation testing, DNA testing, and for storing whole blood. Healthcare professionals in home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States rely on these different types of blood collection tubes to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for patient care.
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