Differences Between SST and Red Top Tubes: A Guide for Healthcare Providers

Summary

• SST and Red Top tubes are commonly used in medical labs and phlebotomy practices for specimen collection and processing in the United States.
• The key differences between the two types of tubes lie in their additives, as the SST Tube contains a gel separator and Clot Activator, while the Red Top tube does not.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate Test Results and ensuring proper handling of specimens in healthcare settings.

Introduction

In the field of healthcare, accurate and reliable laboratory Test Results are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients effectively. Specimen collection and processing play a critical role in ensuring the quality of these Test Results. In the United States, medical labs and phlebotomy practices commonly use two types of tubes for collecting blood specimens: the SST (serum separator tube) and the Red Top tube. While both tubes serve similar purposes, there are key differences in their composition and usage that Healthcare Providers must be aware of for optimal patient care.

SST vs. Red Top Tubes: Overview

The primary difference between SST and Red Top tubes lies in their additives, which are designed to facilitate the separation of serum or plasma from the cellular components of blood. This process is essential for various laboratory tests that require either serum or plasma samples for analysis.

SST Tubes

SST tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, contain a gel separator and Clot Activator. The gel separator, typically made of silica particles, aids in the efficient separation of serum from the clot following centrifugation. The Clot Activator promotes blood clotting by accelerating the coagulation process, facilitating the formation of a stable fibrin clot.

Red Top Tubes

Red Top tubes, on the other hand, do not contain a gel separator or Clot Activator. These tubes are primarily used for collecting whole blood samples without any additives. Once the blood is collected into a Red Top tube, it is allowed to clot naturally before undergoing centrifugation to separate the serum or plasma for testing.

Specimen Collection and Processing

When it comes to specimen collection and processing, Healthcare Providers must follow specific protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory Test Results. The type of tube used for collecting blood specimens can significantly impact the handling and processing of the sample. Here is a step-by-step comparison of how specimen collection and processing differ between SST and Red Top tubes:

Specimen Collection with SST Tubes:

1. The phlebotomist collects the blood sample into an SST Tube, ensuring that the tube is properly labeled with the patient's information.
2. After collection, the SST Tube is inverted several times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the Clot Activator.
3. The tube is then allowed to clot for a specified period before being centrifuged to separate the serum from the clot.
4. Upon centrifugation, the gel separator in the SST Tube acts to isolate the serum, which can then be pipetted for testing without contamination from the cellular components of blood.

Specimen Collection with Red Top Tubes:

1. The blood sample is collected into a Red Top tube, following the same labeling procedures as with SST tubes.
2. Unlike SST tubes, Red Top tubes do not contain a gel separator or Clot Activator, so the blood is allowed to clot naturally in the tube.
3. After clot formation, the Red Top tube is centrifuged to separate the serum or plasma from the clot.
4. Healthcare Providers must handle Red Top tubes carefully to prevent hemolysis, as the absence of a gel separator can lead to contamination of the serum sample with hemoglobin from broken red blood cells.

Key Considerations for Clinical Labs and Hospitals

As clinical labs and hospitals strive to provide high-quality healthcare services, understanding the differences between SST and Red Top tubes is essential for ensuring accurate Test Results and efficient specimen processing. Here are some key considerations for Healthcare Providers working in these settings:

Test Requirements:

Certain laboratory tests may require serum or plasma samples that are free from cellular components, necessitating the use of SST tubes with a gel separator. Understanding the specific test requirements is crucial for selecting the appropriate tube for specimen collection.

Handling and Processing:

Healthcare Providers must follow established protocols for handling and processing blood specimens collected in SST and Red Top tubes. Proper centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage procedures are essential for maintaining the integrity of the specimen and obtaining accurate Test Results.

Quality Control:

Regular Quality Control measures, including monitoring centrifuge performance, verifying tube expiration dates, and tracking sample processing times, are essential for ensuring the reliability of laboratory Test Results. Healthcare facilities must implement robust quality assurance protocols to uphold testing standards and patient safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of SST and Red Top tubes in medical labs and phlebotomy practices plays a crucial role in specimen collection and processing for laboratory tests in the United States. Understanding the differences between these two types of tubes, particularly in terms of additives and specimen handling procedures, is essential for Healthcare Providers to deliver accurate and reliable Test Results to patients. By adhering to established protocols and Quality Control measures, clinical labs and hospitals can ensure the integrity of blood specimens and optimize patient care outcomes.

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