Differences Between Serum Separator Tube (SST) and Red Top Tube in Laboratory Testing

Summary

• Serum Separator Tube (SST) and Red Top Tube serve different purposes in the medical lab setting
• SST contains a gel separator to separate blood components while Red Top Tube does not have any additives
• Understanding the differences between SST and Red Top Tube is crucial for accurate laboratory testing

Main Differences Between Serum Separator Tube (SST) and Red Top Tube

Introduction

When it comes to collecting blood samples for laboratory testing, healthcare professionals often use different types of tubes to ensure accurate results. Two commonly used tubes are the Serum Separator Tube (SST) and the Red Top Tube. While both tubes are used for blood collection, they serve different purposes and contain different additives that play a crucial role in the accuracy of laboratory testing. In this article, we will explore the main differences between an SST and a Red Top Tube in the context of medical lab and phlebotomy in the United States.

Serum Separator Tube (SST)

The Serum Separator Tube, commonly known as SST, is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel separator at the bottom. This gel separator helps to separate the serum from the blood cells, making it easier for laboratory technicians to extract the serum for testing. The gel separator in the SST Tube forms a physical barrier between the serum and the blood cells, preventing them from mixing during the centrifugation process.

1. SST tubes are typically used for tests that require serum, such as basic metabolic panels, lipid profiles, and hormone tests.
2. The gel separator in the SST Tube helps to provide high-quality serum samples for testing, minimizing the risk of contamination or clots.
3. Healthcare professionals should ensure that the SST Tube is inverted several times after blood collection to ensure proper mixing of the gel separator with the blood.

Red Top Tube

The Red Top Tube, on the other hand, does not contain any additives or gel separators. It is a plain vacuum tube that is used for collecting blood samples for various tests. The absence of additives in the Red Top Tube makes it suitable for tests that require whole blood or serum without any additives that could interfere with the Test Results.

1. Red Top Tubes are commonly used for tests that require serum or whole blood, such as glucose tests, blood bank tests, and liver function tests.
2. Since the Red Top Tube does not contain a gel separator, it is important to allow the blood to clot before centrifugation to obtain clear serum samples for testing.
3. Healthcare professionals should ensure that the Red Top Tube is allowed to clot for the recommended time before centrifugation to prevent hemolysis and ensure accurate Test Results.

Key Differences Between SST and Red Top Tube

Now that we have discussed the basic characteristics of the Serum Separator Tube (SST) and the Red Top Tube, let's summarize the key differences between the two types of tubes:

1. SST contains a gel separator that separates serum from blood cells, while the Red Top Tube does not contain any additives.
2. SST is used for tests that require serum samples, while the Red Top Tube is used for tests that require whole blood or serum without additives.
3. The gel separator in the SST Tube helps provide high-quality serum samples for testing, while the absence of additives in the Red Top Tube allows for clear serum samples without interference.

Conclusion

Understanding the main differences between the Serum Separator Tube (SST) and the Red Top Tube is essential for healthcare professionals involved in blood collection and laboratory testing. By using the appropriate tube for specific tests, Healthcare Providers can ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for patient diagnosis and treatment. Whether collecting blood samples in a clinical lab, hospital, or home healthcare setting, choosing the right tube for the right test is crucial for the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing.

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