Common Laboratory Tests Using Serum Separator Tubes in the United States
Summary
- Serum separator tubes (SSTs) are commonly used in medical laboratories across the United States to perform a variety of tests.
- Common tests that can be performed using an SST include complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), liver function tests, lipid panel, and thyroid function tests.
- Using an SST allows for the separation of serum from whole blood, making it easier to analyze specific components of the blood for diagnostic purposes.
Introduction
Medical laboratories play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential diagnostic information to Healthcare Providers to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. One common tool used in the laboratory setting is the serum separator tube (SST), which allows for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. This article will explore some of the common tests that can be performed using an SST in a medical laboratory setting in the United States.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common tests performed in a medical laboratory, providing valuable information about a patient's overall health and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. An SST can be used to collect a blood sample for a CBC by allowing the blood to clot and the serum to separate from the red blood cells. The serum can then be analyzed for various components, including:
- White blood cell count
- Red blood cell count
- Hemoglobin level
- Hematocrit level
- Platelet count
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a group of tests that provide information about a patient's electrolyte and acid-base balance, kidney function, and blood sugar levels. An SST can be used to collect a blood sample for a BMP, allowing for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. Some of the tests included in a BMP that can be performed using an SST include:
- Glucose level
- Sodium level
- Potassium level
- Carbon dioxide level
- Calcium level
- Basic metabolic panel (BMP)
Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests are a group of tests that provide information about the function of the liver and the presence of any liver damage or disease. An SST can be used to collect a blood sample for liver function tests, allowing for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. Some of the liver function tests that can be performed using an SST include:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Total bilirubin
- Albumin level
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a group of tests that provide information about a patient's cholesterol levels and overall risk of heart disease. An SST can be used to collect a blood sample for a lipid panel, allowing for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. Some of the tests included in a lipid panel that can be performed using an SST include:
- Total cholesterol level
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level
- Triglyceride level
Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests are a group of tests that provide information about the function of the thyroid gland and the presence of any thyroid disorders. An SST can be used to collect a blood sample for thyroid function tests, allowing for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. Some of the thyroid function tests that can be performed using an SST include:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level
- Free thyroxine (T4) level
- Free triiodothyronine (T3) level
- Thyroglobulin level
Conclusion
Serum separator tubes (SSTs) are a valuable tool in the medical laboratory setting, allowing for the separation of serum from whole blood for analysis. By using an SST, Healthcare Providers can perform a variety of tests to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. Some common tests that can be performed using an SST include complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), liver function tests, lipid panel, and thyroid function tests. By analyzing the components of the serum, Healthcare Providers can gain valuable insight into a patient's overall health and well-being.
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