How does a gold top (SST) tube differ from a red top tube, and what tests is it used for?
A gold top tube, often referred to as an SST (Serum Separator Tube), differs significantly from a red top tube in terms of its composition and the specific tests for which it is used in phlebotomy.
Differences between Gold Top (SST) and Red Top Tubes:
Clot Activator and Separator Gel: The key difference is that gold top SST tubes contain a clot activator and a special gel at the bottom. The clot activator promotes faster clotting of the blood, while the gel forms a physical barrier between the serum and the blood cells when the tube is centrifuged. This barrier allows for easier and more efficient separation of the serum for testing.
Clotting Time: Due to the presence of a clot activator, blood in gold top tubes clots more quickly compared to the red top tubes, which contain no additive. This quicker clotting time speeds up the processing of the sample.
Sample Integrity: The separator gel in SST tubes helps maintain the integrity of the serum sample by preventing the mixing of the cellular components with the serum after centrifugation. This can be particularly important for certain types of tests where cell contamination may affect the results.
Tests Suitable for Gold Top (SST) Tubes:
Gold top tubes are used for a variety of tests, similar to red top tubes, but with the added advantage of faster sample processing and reduced risk of sample contamination. These tests include:
Chemistry Tests: SST tubes are commonly used for a wide range of chemistry tests, including liver and kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, and enzyme activities.
Endocrine Tests: Hormone level tests, such as thyroid function tests, cortisol, and others, are often conducted using serum from SST tubes.
Serology Tests: These tubes are suitable for serological tests where antibodies or antigens are measured, like infectious disease screenings (e.g., HIV, hepatitis).
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Monitoring therapeutic drug levels to ensure they are within a therapeutic range is often done using serum from SST tubes.
Immunology Tests: Certain immunological assays that require serum can also be conducted with samples obtained from SST tubes.
Advantages and Considerations:
Efficiency: The clot activator and separator gel in SST tubes make the process of obtaining serum quicker and more efficient, which is crucial in a fast-paced clinical setting.
Sample Quality: The separator gel helps maintain the quality of the serum by preventing the mixture of the serum with cellular components, leading to more accurate test results.
In summary, gold top SST tubes represent an advancement in blood collection technology, offering quicker clotting and better serum separation compared to red top tubes. Their use in various diagnostic tests highlights the importance of choosing the right tube type based on the specific requirements of each test to ensure accuracy and reliability in patient care.
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