Key Differences Between Gold SST Tube and Red SST Tube in Phlebotomy Practices | United States

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Summary

  • The gold SST Tube and the red SST Tube are both used in phlebotomy procedures in the United States to collect blood samples for laboratory testing.
  • The key difference between the two tubes lies in the type of gel separator used, which affects the types of tests that can be performed with each tube.
  • Understanding the differences between the gold and red SST tubes is essential for phlebotomists and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results.

Introduction

Phlebotomy is a crucial aspect of healthcare that involves the collection of blood samples for diagnostic testing. One of the common tools used in phlebotomy procedures is the serum separator tube (SST). These tubes contain a gel separator that helps separate serum from the blood cells after centrifugation. In the United States, two popular types of SST tubes are the gold SST Tube and the red SST Tube. While both tubes serve a similar purpose, there are critical differences between them that impact the types of tests that can be performed. In this article, we will explore the key differences between the gold and red SST tubes in phlebotomy procedures in the United States.

Gold SST Tube

The gold SST Tube, also known as a serum separator tube with Clot Activator, is commonly used in phlebotomy procedures to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. This tube contains a gel separator that helps separate serum from the blood cells, as well as a Clot Activator that promotes the clotting process. The gold SST Tube is typically used for tests that require serum, such as:

  1. Chemistry panels
  2. Lipid panels
  3. Hormone tests
  4. Cardiac markers
  5. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Advantages of Gold SST Tube

There are several advantages of using the gold SST Tube in phlebotomy procedures:

  1. Convenience: The gold SST Tube eliminates the need to transfer blood to another tube for separation, saving time and reducing the risk of contamination.
  2. Clotting: The Clot Activator in the tube accelerates the clotting process, making it ideal for tests that require serum.
  3. Compatibility: The gold SST Tube is compatible with most automated chemistry analyzers, ensuring efficient testing processes.
  4. Stability: The gel separator in the tube helps maintain the stability of the serum during transportation and storage.

Red SST Tube

The red SST Tube, also known as a serum separator tube without Clot Activator, is another commonly used tube in phlebotomy procedures. Like the gold SST Tube, the red SST Tube contains a gel separator that helps separate serum from the blood cells. However, the key difference lies in the absence of a Clot Activator in the red SST Tube. This makes the red SST Tube ideal for tests that require plasma rather than serum, such as:

  1. Coagulation studies
  2. Hematology tests
  3. Immunology tests
  4. Blood bank tests
  5. Microbiology tests

Advantages of Red SST Tube

There are several advantages of using the red SST Tube in phlebotomy procedures:

  1. Plasma Separation: The absence of Clot Activator in the tube allows for the separation of plasma, making it suitable for a wide range of tests.
  2. Flexibility: The red SST Tube can be used for tests that require both serum and plasma, providing flexibility in laboratory testing.
  3. Compatibility: The red SST Tube is compatible with most automated analyzers, ensuring accurate and reliable Test Results.
  4. Prevention of Clotting: The absence of a Clot Activator prevents premature clotting, ensuring the integrity of the sample.

Key Differences

While both the gold SST Tube and the red SST Tube serve a similar purpose in phlebotomy procedures, there are key differences between the two that impact the types of tests that can be performed. The primary differences include:

  1. Gel Separator: The gold SST Tube contains a gel separator and a Clot Activator, while the red SST Tube contains a gel separator without a Clot Activator.
  2. Tests: The gold SST Tube is ideal for tests that require serum, while the red SST Tube is suitable for tests that require plasma.
  3. Clotting: The presence of a Clot Activator in the gold SST Tube accelerates the clotting process, while the absence of a Clot Activator in the red SST Tube prevents premature clotting.
  4. Compatibility: Both tubes are compatible with most automated analyzers, but the choice of tube depends on the specific test requirements.

Conclusion

Phlebotomy procedures play a crucial role in healthcare by providing blood samples for laboratory testing. The gold SST Tube and the red SST Tube are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures in the United States to collect blood samples for a wide range of tests. Understanding the key differences between the two tubes, such as the type of gel separator used and the tests they are suitable for, is essential for phlebotomists and healthcare professionals to ensure accurate and reliable Test Results. By choosing the right SST Tube based on the specific test requirements, Healthcare Providers can improve the quality of patient care and diagnosis.

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