SST Tube vs Red Top Tube: Understanding the Key Differences
Summary
- SST Tube and Red Top tube are commonly used in medical laboratories for Blood Testing.
- Tests that can be performed with an SST Tube include serum chemistry, hormone assays, and serology tests, while Red Top tubes are typically used for blood type testing and certain coagulation studies.
- The key difference between the two tubes is the gel separator present in the SST Tube, allowing for easy isolation of serum for testing.
SST Tube vs Red Top Tube: Understanding the Key Differences
SST Tube: Serum Separator Tube
An SST Tube, short for serum separator tube, is a type of blood collection tube commonly used in medical laboratories for various tests that require serum samples. The tube contains a gel separator that separates the serum from the blood cells, allowing for easy isolation and testing.
Tests that can be Performed with an SST Tube:
- Serum chemistry tests: These tests measure the levels of various substances in the blood, such as glucose, cholesterol, and electrolytes.
- Hormone assays: SST tubes are used for testing hormone levels in the blood, such as thyroid hormones and insulin.
- Serology tests: These tests detect the presence of antibodies or antigens in the blood, such as for Infectious Diseases like HIV or hepatitis.
Red Top Tube
A Red Top tube is another common type of blood collection tube used in medical laboratories. Unlike the SST Tube, the Red Top tube does not contain a gel separator and is typically used for different types of tests.
Tests that can be Performed with a Red Top Tube:
- Blood typing: Red Top tubes are often used for blood type testing, which is important for blood transfusions and organ transplants.
- Coagulation studies: Certain coagulation tests, such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), may be performed using blood collected in a Red Top tube.
Key Differences between SST and Red Top Tubes
The main difference between an SST Tube and a Red Top tube lies in the presence of a gel separator in the former. This separator allows for the easy isolation of serum from the blood cells, making it ideal for certain types of tests that require serum samples.
On the other hand, the absence of a gel separator in a Red Top tube means that the serum and blood cells are not separated, which may be necessary for certain tests that require whole blood samples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both SST tubes and Red Top tubes play crucial roles in the field of medical laboratory testing in the United States. While SST tubes are optimal for tests that require serum samples, such as serum chemistry and hormone assays, Red Top tubes are more suitable for blood type testing and certain coagulation studies. Understanding the specific differences between these two types of tubes is essential for accurate and reliable Test Results in clinical lab settings.
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