Understanding the Importance of Serum Separator Tubes in Clinical Labs
Summary
- SST stands for Serum Separator Tube
- It is commonly used in clinical labs for blood collection and testing
- The use of SST tubes ensures efficient and accurate testing results
Introduction
When it comes to medical labs and phlebotomy in the United States, there are many terms and acronyms that can be confusing for those who are not familiar with the industry. One common term that you may come across is "SST," which stands for Serum Separator Tube. In this article, we will explore what SST tubes are, how they are used in clinical labs, and why they are important for accurate testing results.
What is SST?
An SST Tube is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel substance in the bottom of the tube. This gel acts as a separator between the serum (the liquid part of the blood) and the clot, allowing for easy separation of the two components after the blood has been centrifuged. This is why SST tubes are also sometimes referred to as "Clot Activator tubes."
SST tubes typically have a gold or red cap to distinguish them from other types of blood collection tubes. The color coding helps healthcare professionals easily identify the type of tube they need for specific tests or procedures.
How are SST tubes used in clinical labs?
SST tubes are commonly used in clinical labs for a variety of blood tests, including chemistry panels, lipid profiles, liver function tests, and more. When a healthcare provider orders blood work for a patient, the phlebotomist will use an SST Tube to collect the blood sample.
After the blood is collected, the SST Tube is gently inverted to mix the blood with the gel separator. The tube is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins the tube at a high speed to separate the serum from the clot. Once the centrifugation is complete, the serum can be easily pipetted off for testing.
Why are SST tubes important?
The use of SST tubes is crucial for ensuring accurate testing results in clinical labs. Here are a few reasons why SST tubes are important:
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Efficient separation: The gel separator in SST tubes ensures efficient separation of serum from the clot, reducing the risk of contamination and yielding a clean serum sample for testing.
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Consistent results: SST tubes help to minimize pre-analytical errors, such as hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) or clot formation, which can affect testing accuracy.
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Convenience: Using SST tubes streamlines the testing process by eliminating the need to transfer serum from one tube to another, saving time and reducing the risk of sample mix-ups.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SST stands for Serum Separator Tube, which is a type of blood collection tube used in clinical labs for separating serum from the clot. SST tubes play a crucial role in ensuring efficient and accurate testing results, making them an essential component of the healthcare industry in the United States.
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