SST Tubes is Essential to Blood Collection

In the case of blood collection, accuracy, and repeatability are of the essence. SST tubes or serum separator tubes of phlebotomy equipment and accessories are some of the best tools that are commonly used in today’s healthcare systems. In this article, let me discuss with you the details information regarding SST tubes for blood collection such as SSD tube purpose, importance, idea, and best methods for using those tubes.

What are SST Tubes?

SST tubes for blood collection are also known as tiger top tubes or gold top tubes and are blood collection tubes used to help in the separation of serum from blood cells after centrifugation. They have a gel separator and a clot activator part which enhances the formation of a clot in the blood. This makes them a suitable fit for most clinical laboratory diagnostics, to enable doctors to get quick results.

The Anatomy of SST Tubes

Clot Activator: It accelerates the clotting process so there will be a better differentiation of the serum.

Gel Separator: Once the blood has clotted, this gel puts a barrier between the serum and the rest of the clot hindering the mixture of the two.

Color Coding: Generally, SST tubes have a distinctive tiger stripe or gold appearance so that accidental mix-ups for similar tubes cannot happen in the middle of the lab.

Why Should SST Tubes Be Used for Blood Collection?

As for those SST tubes for blood collection, there are a lot of features that make them widely used in hospitals and clinics.

Improved Accuracy of Diagnosis

SST tubes help reduce contamination thus the serum extracted is very appropriate for testing. This is especially the case with blood chemistry tests; here precision can greatly impact diagnosis or treatment recommendation.

Time Efficiency

SST tubes contain an activator that promotes quicker clotting and thus faster sample processing than those tubes without the activator. This is especially of great help when a patient has an emergency and the results need to be produced as soon as possible.

 Versatility

The following tests: metabolic tests, liver function tests, and thyroid function tests amongst others can be conducted using these tubes. For this reason, they feature in different healthcare facilities.

How to Use SST Tubes in Blood Collection?

Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation: Collect all relevant materials which are SST tubes, gloves as well as blood collection needles.

Patient Identification: Introduce the self and verify the identity of the patient before and afterward.

Site Selection: Local site selection depends on whether the patient requires standard, phlebotomy, or large-volume venipuncture.

Blood Draw: Turn the SST tube, place the needle in the crescent portion of the tube then puncture the patient’s skin and collect the blood up to the required level of the SST tube as indicated on the label.

Mixing: Invert the tube 5-10 times hard to mix blood effectively with the clot activator.

Centrifugation: After coagulation of the blood, which normally takes 30 minutes, spin the tube to sediment the cells and extract an upper layer of serum.

Storage: If testing cannot be done right away then place the serum at the recommended temperature to maintain sample quality.

The Science Behind SST Tubes

SST tubes are made to specific standards and knowing more about it makes using it in medical testing more of a pleasure.

Clotting Mechanism

That is the reason why the clotting process starts as soon as the blood remains in the SST tube. The clot activator causes a cascade of enzymatic reactions that help form the plug of fibrin which is able to clot. This is very important since it makes it possible to siphon serum that is essential in a number of tests as may be required in the laboratory.

Centrifugation Process

After clotting has occurred the tube is then placed on a centrifuge. This particular machine spins the tubes at high speed and the force in question causes the serum to be separated from the cells. It is here that the gel separator assumes the central position of organizing the structure of the serum and excluding the possibility of contamination with other biomolecules.

Uses of SST Tubes in Health Care

SST tubes are widely used across various sectors within healthcare, including:

Clinical Laboratories

In clinical laboratories, SST tubes are the most commonly used tubes for most of the blood chemistry tests. Their efficiency and reliability play an important role in the provision of accurate results in the shortest time possible so that appropriate medical decisions may be made.

Blood Donation Centers

In blood donation centers SST tubes are used to take samples that are usually subjected to tests for one infectious disease or the other to check the blood for blood-borne diseases before the blood is donated to the populace.

Veterinary Medicine

SST tubes are not only confined to human health care. They are also employed in veterinary centers so veterinarians can conduct various blood tests on animals including pets, and livestock among others.

Purchasing SST Tubes: What You Need to Know

Quality Matters

Only use reliable suppliers to buy SST tubes because only high-quality ones should be used. Low-quality tubes have the potential to give wrong readings in a test and therefore this may pose a very big problem to the care of the patients.

The Future of Blood Collection

With technology developing day in and day out, so too does the equipment used in collecting blood. Blood collection remains another area attracting significant attention from manufacturers due to developments in the SST tube’s material and form to increase accuracy and efficiency.

Sustainable Practices

Fueled by the increasing knowledge of the impacts of environmental problems, the healing profession is also beginning to implement green solutions. Newer SST tubes should be made from recyclable materials, therefore expect Tube rush freight to be more environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

In the realm of blood collection, SST tubes stand out as a vital component, combining functionality with efficiency. Their role in diagnostics cannot be overstated, and as healthcare continues to evolve, so will the technologies that support it. Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to optimize your blood collection process or someone interested in the intricacies of medical supplies, understanding SST tubes is essential. For further insights and high-quality laboratory supplies, check out Vesemed Medical, your trusted partner in healthcare solutions.