Using SST Tubes in Phlebotomy Procedures: An Essential Guide

Summary

• An SST Tube is a common type of blood collection tube used in phlebotomy procedures
• It contains a gel separator that helps to separate blood cells from serum or plasma
• SST tubes are typically used for various clinical lab tests, such as chemistry panels and hormone assays

Introduction

Phlebotomy procedures are an essential part of healthcare, as they involve the collection of blood samples for diagnostic purposes. One common type of blood collection tube used in phlebotomy is the SST Tube. In this article, we will explore the specific use of an SST Tube in phlebotomy procedures within the context of home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States.

What is an SST Tube?

An SST Tube, which stands for Serum Separator Tube, is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel separator. This gel forms a barrier between the serum or plasma and the blood cells once the blood sample is centrifuged. This separation allows for easier and more accurate analysis of the blood sample.

Specific use of an SST Tube

SST tubes are commonly used in phlebotomy procedures for the collection of blood samples for various clinical lab tests. The gel separator in the tube helps to separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells, which is important for certain types of tests.

1. Chemistry panels: SST tubes are often used for chemistry panels, which are a group of tests that measure different substances in the blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, and cholesterol. The gel separator in the tube ensures that the serum or plasma remains separate from the blood cells during testing, providing accurate results.
2. Hormone assays: Hormone assays are tests that measure the levels of hormones in the blood. SST tubes are commonly used for these tests because the gel separator allows for the isolation of the serum or plasma, which contains the hormones, from the blood cells. This separation is crucial for accurate hormone level measurements.
3. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: SST tubes are also used for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, which involves measuring the levels of specific medications in the blood to ensure that they are at the proper therapeutic range. The gel separator in the tube helps to prevent the blood cells from interfering with the drug level measurements.

Benefits of using an SST Tube

There are several benefits to using SST tubes in phlebotomy procedures:

1. Accurate Test Results: The gel separator in the SST Tube ensures that the serum or plasma is separated from the blood cells, leading to more accurate Test Results.
2. Convenience: SST tubes are easy to use and save time during the phlebotomy process, as they eliminate the need for manual separation of the serum or plasma from the blood cells.
3. Cost-effective: Using SST tubes can help to reduce the risk of sample hemolysis, which can lead to the need for sample re-collection. This can save both time and resources in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SST tubes are an essential tool in phlebotomy procedures for the collection of blood samples for various clinical lab tests. The gel separator in the tube helps to separate the serum or plasma from the blood cells, ensuring accurate Test Results. SST tubes are widely used in home healthcare, clinical labs, and hospitals in the United States for tests such as chemistry panels, hormone assays, and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. By understanding the specific use of an SST Tube and its benefits, Healthcare Providers can improve the accuracy and efficiency of their phlebotomy procedures.

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