Understanding the Importance of SST Tubes in Medical Labs
Summary
- SST tubes are commonly used for blood collection in medical labs
- The additives found in SST tubes help with blood clotting and serum separation
- Common additives include gel separators and clot activators
Introduction
In the United States, home healthcare services, clinical labs, and hospitals play a crucial role in providing medical care to patients. When it comes to blood collection for diagnostic purposes, SST tubes are commonly used in medical labs. These tubes contain additives that help with blood clotting and serum separation, making them essential tools for healthcare professionals.
What is an SST Tube?
An SST Tube, also known as a serum separator tube, is a type of blood collection tube used in clinical laboratories. It contains a gel separator at the bottom of the tube that separates the serum from the blood cells after the sample has been centrifuged. This separation allows for easier testing and analysis of the serum without interference from the blood cells.
Components of an SST Tube
- Gel separator: The gel separator in an SST Tube is typically made of a silicone-based material that has a specific gravity between that of serum and blood cells. This allows it to form a barrier between the serum and the blood cells when the sample is centrifuged.
- Clot Activator: SST tubes also contain a Clot Activator, which helps to promote blood clotting once the sample has been collected. This clotting process is important for separating the serum from the blood cells during centrifugation.
- Anticoagulant: Some SST tubes may also contain an anticoagulant, such as EDTA or Heparin, to prevent the blood from clotting before it can be centrifuged. This is especially useful for samples that require analysis of plasma rather than serum.
Advantages of using SST tubes
- Efficiency: SST tubes are easy to use and require minimal preparation before blood collection. The gel separator and Clot Activator help to streamline the testing process and ensure accurate results.
- Accuracy: The gel separator in SST tubes provides a clear separation between the serum and blood cells, reducing the risk of contamination and interference during testing. This helps to ensure the accuracy of diagnostic results.
- Versatility: SST tubes can be used for a wide range of Diagnostic Tests, making them a versatile option for clinical laboratories. They are suitable for testing various analytes in the serum, including glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes.
Conclusion
SST tubes are an essential tool in clinical laboratories for blood collection and sample processing. The additives found in these tubes, such as the gel separator and Clot Activator, play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable diagnostic results. By understanding the components of an SST Tube and how they work, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions about the best practices for blood collection and testing in medical labs.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.