In what scenario would you use a serum separator tube?

A serum separator tube (SST) is specifically designed to facilitate the collection of serum, which is the liquid portion of the blood that is obtained after a blood sample has clotted and then centrifuged. This type of tube contains a gel that separates the serum from the clot once the sample has been processed.

In the context of chemistry tests requiring serum, using a serum separator tube is ideal because these tests often analyze substances that are found in serum, such as electrolytes, enzymes, and hormones. The gel in the SST provides a barrier that prevents the serum from re-mixing with the clot, allowing for a clear sample that can be used for accurate testing. This is particularly important for obtaining reliable results in various chemistry profiles, including metabolic panels and liver function tests.

In contrast, other scenarios such as blood culture tests, glucose testing, and coagulation tests typically require different types of tubes to maintain sample integrity and ensure accurate results. Blood cultures, for instance, often use culture bottles or specific blood culture tubes to enhance the growth of microorganisms. Glucose testing may be performed on plasma samples which can be collected using other types of tubes, often with anticoagulants to prevent clotting. Coagulation tests require specialized tubes which help preserve the