What Is a Gold Top in Phlebotomy?
Introduction
Phlebotomy, the practice of drawing blood for medical testing, is an essential part of the healthcare field. It requires skilled professionals who are knowledgeable about the different types of blood collection tubes and their uses. One such tube that is commonly used in phlebotomy is the Gold Top tube. In this article, we will discuss what a Gold Top tube is, its purpose, and how it is used in phlebotomy.
What is a Gold Top Tube?
A Gold Top tube, also known as a serum separator tube or SST, is a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel separator at the bottom. This gel separator acts as a barrier between the serum (the liquid part of the blood) and the clot (the solid part of the blood) after the blood has been centrifuged. Gold Top tubes are typically made of glass or plastic and have a gold-colored stopper, hence the name "Gold Top."
Purpose of a Gold Top Tube
The primary purpose of a Gold Top tube is to collect and separate serum from whole blood. The gel separator in the tube helps to separate the serum from the clot by forming a barrier between the two components. This allows for the serum to be easily extracted for various laboratory tests without the need for additional processing steps.
How is a Gold Top Tube Used in Phlebotomy?
When a phlebotomist is collecting blood from a patient, they will typically use a Gold Top tube for certain types of tests that require serum. The process of using a Gold Top tube in phlebotomy is as follows:
Prepare the patient: The phlebotomist will first verify the patient's identity and explain the procedure to them.
Identify the vein: The phlebotomist will then choose a suitable vein to draw blood from using a Tourniquet to make the vein more visible.
Collect the blood: The phlebotomist will use a needle and vacutainer to collect the blood into the Gold Top tube. It is important to fill the tube to the appropriate level to ensure accurate Test Results.
Mix the blood: After the blood has been collected, the phlebotomist will gently invert the tube to mix the blood with the gel separator.
Centrifuge the tube: The tube is then placed in a centrifuge machine, which spins the blood at high speeds to separate the serum from the clot.
Extract the serum: Once the blood has been centrifuged, the serum can be easily extracted from the tube using a pipette or other extraction method.
Label the tube: Finally, the phlebotomist will label the tube with the patient's information and send it to the laboratory for testing.
Common Tests Done Using a Gold Top Tube
Gold Top tubes are commonly used for a variety of laboratory tests that require serum. Some of the most common tests done using a Gold Top tube include:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): A CMP is a group of tests that measures various substances in the blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): Similar to a CMP, a BMP measures basic metabolic functions like glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): LFTs are a group of tests that measure liver enzymes and proteins in the blood to assess liver function.
Lipid Panel: A lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood to assess Cardiovascular Health.
Thyroid Function Tests: These tests measure thyroid hormone levels in the blood to assess thyroid function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Gold Top tube is a crucial tool in phlebotomy for collecting and separating serum from whole blood. This tube allows for the efficient extraction of serum for various laboratory tests, making it an essential component of the healthcare field. Understanding the purpose and proper use of a Gold Top tube is essential for phlebotomists to ensure accurate Test Results and patient care.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on phlebotomy practices and healthcare. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.