Components of a Gold SST Tube: Understanding Additives for Blood Collection in the United States
Summary
- A gold SST Tube is commonly used in medical labs in the United States for blood collection.
- The tube contains specific additives that aid in the separation of blood components for different types of lab tests.
- These additives include a gel separator, Clot Activator, and sometimes a serum Separator Gel.
Introduction
When you go for a blood test at a clinical lab or hospital in the United States, you may have noticed that the phlebotomist uses different colored tubes for collecting your blood samples. One of the commonly used tubes is the gold SST Tube, which stands for Serum Separator Tube. This tube is specifically designed to aid in the separation of blood components for various types of lab tests. In this article, we will explore the specific additives present in a gold SST Tube used for blood collection in a medical lab in the United States.
Components of a Gold SST Tube
A gold SST Tube contains several additives that play a crucial role in the blood collection process. These additives help to ensure accurate Test Results by separating the serum from the blood cells. The main components of a gold SST Tube include:
1. Gel Separator
One of the key additives in a gold SST Tube is a gel separator, which is typically made of a silicone-based material. This gel forms a barrier between the serum and the blood cells after centrifugation, allowing for easy and clean separation of the two components. The gel separator helps prevent contamination of the serum with cellular components, ensuring accurate Test Results.
2. Clot Activator
Another important additive in a gold SST Tube is a Clot Activator, which helps to promote the clotting process in the blood sample. The Clot Activator helps to speed up the formation of a blood clot, which is essential for separating the serum from the blood cells during centrifugation. This additive is particularly useful for tests that require serum samples, such as chemistry and immunology tests.
3. Serum Separator Gel
In some cases, a gold SST Tube may also contain a serum Separator Gel in addition to the gel separator. This gel is specifically designed to enhance the separation of serum from the blood cells by forming a physical barrier between the two components. The serum Separator Gel also helps to stabilize the serum sample and prevent hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells.
Uses of a Gold SST Tube
The gold SST Tube is commonly used in clinical labs and hospitals in the United States for a wide range of lab tests. Some of the common uses of a gold SST Tube include:
- Chemistry tests: The serum separated from the blood sample in a gold SST Tube is often used for chemistry tests, such as glucose, cholesterol, and electrolyte levels.
- Immunology tests: Serum samples collected in a gold SST Tube are also used for immunology tests, such as antibody titers and autoimmune disease screening.
- Endocrinology tests: Hormone levels, such as thyroid hormones and cortisol, are often measured using serum samples collected in a gold SST Tube.
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Blood samples collected in a gold SST Tube are commonly used for monitoring the levels of drugs in the bloodstream.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gold SST Tube used for blood collection in a medical lab in the United States contains specific additives that aid in the separation of blood components for different types of lab tests. These additives, including a gel separator, Clot Activator, and sometimes a serum Separator Gel, play a crucial role in ensuring accurate Test Results. Understanding the components of a gold SST Tube can help healthcare professionals and patients alike appreciate the importance of proper blood collection and handling techniques.
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