Importance of Gel Separator in Gold SST Tubes for Clinical Labs and Phlebotomy
Summary
- Gold SST tubes are commonly used in clinical labs in the United States for blood collection and testing.
- The additive in a gold SST Tube is typically a gel separator that helps to separate serum from blood cells.
- This additive plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate Test Results and facilitating a smooth phlebotomy procedure.
Introduction
Gold SST tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, are a common sight in clinical labs and hospitals across the United States. These tubes play a crucial role in blood collection and testing processes, facilitating accurate Test Results and smooth phlebotomy procedures. In this article, we will explore the additive in a gold SST Tube and its importance in medical lab and phlebotomy procedures.
What is a Gold SST Tube?
A Gold SST Tube is a type of blood collection tube that contains a special additive designed to separate serum from blood cells. The tube is typically made of plastic or glass and has a yellow or gold-colored cap, hence the name "gold SST Tube". These tubes are widely used in clinical labs for various blood tests, including chemistry panels, hormone levels, and other Diagnostic Tests.
Components of a Gold SST Tube
The key components of a Gold SST Tube include:
- A gel separator: This is the key additive in a Gold SST Tube, which helps to separate serum from blood cells during the centrifugation process. The gel forms a barrier between the serum and blood cells, allowing for easy collection of serum for testing.
- Anticoagulant: Some Gold SST tubes may also contain small amounts of Anticoagulant to prevent blood clotting and ensure the integrity of the sample.
- Plastic or glass tube: The tube itself is made of either plastic or glass and is sterile to prevent contamination of the sample.
- Yellow or gold-colored cap: The color of the cap helps to identify the tube as a Gold SST Tube and differentiate it from other types of blood collection tubes.
Role of the Additive in a Gold SST Tube
The gel separator in a Gold SST Tube plays a crucial role in blood collection and testing procedures. Here are some key functions of the additive:
Separation of Serum
One of the main functions of the gel separator is to facilitate the separation of serum from blood cells. During the centrifugation process, the gel forms a barrier between the serum and blood cells, allowing for easy and accurate collection of serum for testing.
Prevention of Hemolysis
The gel separator also helps to prevent hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells, during the centrifugation process. Hemolysis can lead to inaccurate Test Results and should be avoided in clinical lab testing.
Accuracy of Test Results
By separating serum from blood cells, the gel separator ensures that the sample collected for testing is pure and uncontaminated. This helps to ensure the accuracy of Test Results and facilitate proper diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Phlebotomy Procedures with Gold SST Tubes
Phlebotomy procedures involve the collection of blood samples from patients for testing and diagnosis. Gold SST tubes are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures due to their ease of use and the reliability of the gel separator in separating serum from blood cells. Here are some key points to keep in mind when using Gold SST tubes in phlebotomy procedures:
Proper Identification
It is essential to properly identify Gold SST tubes before blood collection to ensure that the appropriate tests are conducted on the collected sample. The yellow or gold-colored cap can help differentiate these tubes from others.
Correct Order of Draw
Phlebotomists must follow the correct order of draw when using Gold SST tubes to prevent contamination of samples and ensure accurate Test Results. The order of draw helps to minimize the risk of carry-over between samples.
Centrifugation Process
After blood collection, Gold SST tubes should be immediately centrifuged to facilitate the separation of serum from blood cells. Proper centrifugation ensures that the gel separator works effectively and that the sample is ready for testing.
Conclusion
Gold SST tubes with gel separators are an essential component of clinical labs and hospitals in the United States, playing a crucial role in blood collection and testing procedures. The additive in a Gold SST Tube helps to separate serum from blood cells, prevent hemolysis, and ensure the accuracy of Test Results. Understanding the importance of this additive in medical lab and phlebotomy procedures is key to maintaining the quality and reliability of Diagnostic Tests.
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