Understanding the Importance of Serum Separator Tubes in Medical Laboratory Testing
Summary
- SST stands for Serum Separator Tube in the context of medical lab and phlebotomy in the United States.
- These tubes are used to separate serum from whole blood by allowing the blood to clot and then spinning it in a centrifuge.
- SST tubes are commonly used in hospitals, clinical labs, and home healthcare settings for various Diagnostic Tests.
Introduction
In the realm of medical laboratory testing and phlebotomy practices in the United States, various abbreviations are used to denote specific types of tubes and tests. One such abbreviation that is commonly encountered is "SST." In this article, we will explore what "SST" stands for in the context of medical labs and how it is utilized in clinical settings.
What does "SST" stand for?
When referring to medical laboratory and phlebotomy practices, "SST" stands for Serum Separator Tube. These tubes are specially designed to separate serum from whole blood samples to facilitate various Diagnostic Tests. The serum is the liquid portion of blood that is obtained after the blood has clotted and the clot has been removed. This clear, yellowish fluid contains various proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products that can provide valuable information about a patient's health status.
How does an SST Tube work?
When a healthcare professional collects a blood sample from a patient using an SST Tube, the tube contains an inert gel at the bottom, called a Clot Activator or Separator Gel. After the blood is drawn, the tube is gently inverted several times to ensure thorough mixing of the blood with the gel. The tube is then allowed to stand upright for a specified period to allow the blood to clot.
Once the blood has clotted, the tube is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the sample at high speeds. The centrifugal force causes the heavier blood cells to settle at the bottom of the tube, while the lighter serum rises to the top and is separated by the gel. This process effectively separates the serum from the rest of the blood components, allowing for clean and clear serum samples for diagnostic testing.
Uses of SST tubes in clinical settings
SST tubes are widely used in hospitals, clinical laboratories, and home healthcare settings for a variety of Diagnostic Tests. Some common uses of SST tubes include:
- Chemistry panels: These tubes are commonly used to perform comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP), basic metabolic panels (BMP), liver function tests (LFTs), lipid profiles, and other chemistry tests that require serum samples.
- Endocrine tests: SST tubes are also used for testing various hormones such as thyroid hormones, cortisol, insulin, and others that are present in the serum.
- Infectious disease tests: SST tubes are utilized for serology testing for Infectious Diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and other viral or bacterial infections.
- Drug monitoring: Drug levels and Toxicology screens can also be assessed using serum samples collected in SST tubes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SST tubes play a crucial role in medical laboratory testing and phlebotomy practices in the United States. These tubes are designed to efficiently separate serum from whole blood samples, making them invaluable tools for conducting various Diagnostic Tests. Whether in hospitals, clinical labs, or home healthcare settings, SST tubes are essential for providing accurate and reliable laboratory results that aid in patient care and treatment decisions.
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