Understanding SST and Red Top Tubes in Medical Laboratory Testing: Additives and Functions
Summary
- SST and Red Top tubes are commonly used in medical laboratory tests in the United States.
- The specific additives in an SST Tube include a gel separator and Clot Activator.
- The specific additive in a Red Top tube is a Clot Activator only.
Introduction
Medical laboratory tests play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by providing valuable information for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions. In the United States, different types of blood collection tubes are used to collect and preserve blood samples for laboratory testing. Two commonly used tubes are the SST (Serum Separator Tube) and the Red Top tube. In this article, we will explore the specific additives present in these tubes and how they contribute to the accuracy of laboratory Test Results.
SST Tube Additives
The SST Tube, also known as a tiger top tube or Gold Top tube, is designed for the collection of blood samples for serum testing. It contains a gel separator and a Clot Activator, which are essential components for certain laboratory tests.
Gel Separator
The gel separator in an SST Tube is typically made of silicone or polymer material. Its main function is to separate the serum from the blood cells after the sample has been centrifuged. When the tube is spun at high speeds in a centrifuge, the gel forms a barrier between the serum and the blood cells, allowing for easy and clean separation of the two components. This separation is vital for accurate Test Results, as it prevents contamination of the serum with cellular components.
Clot Activator
In addition to the gel separator, an SST Tube also contains a Clot Activator. The Clot Activator initiates the clotting process by promoting the activation of clotting factors in the blood sample. This helps to accelerate the clotting of the blood, leading to the formation of a blood clot. The clot ensures that the serum remains separated from the blood cells during centrifugation, further aiding in the clean separation of the two components.
Red Top Tube Additive
The Red Top tube is commonly used for collecting blood samples for various laboratory tests that require serum or plasma. Unlike the SST Tube, the Red Top tube contains only a Clot Activator as its additive.
Clot Activator
Similar to the Clot Activator in an SST Tube, the Clot Activator in a Red Top tube helps to initiate the clotting process in the blood sample. By promoting the activation of clotting factors, the Clot Activator facilitates the formation of a blood clot, which allows for the clean separation of serum or plasma from the blood cells during centrifugation. This additive ensures that the serum or plasma obtained for testing is free from contamination with cellular components, leading to more accurate Test Results.
Conclusion
The specific additives present in an SST Tube and a Red Top tube play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory Test Results. The gel separator and Clot Activator in an SST Tube facilitate the clean separation of serum from blood cells, while the Clot Activator in a Red Top tube serves the same purpose. Understanding the function of these additives is essential for healthcare professionals involved in collecting and handling blood samples for laboratory testing, as it contributes to the quality of patient care and treatment decisions.
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