The Vital Role of SST Tubes in Healthcare: A Phlebotomist's Guide

Written By Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Summary

  • SST stands for Serum Separator Tube
  • In medical lab practice, SST tubes are commonly used for blood collection and specimen testing
  • Understanding the purpose of SST tubes is essential for phlebotomists and healthcare professionals

Introduction

Medical lab and phlebotomy practice play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, especially in the United States. From collecting blood samples to conducting various tests, laboratory professionals ensure accurate results that aid in diagnosing and treating patients. One commonly used tool in the lab setting is the SST Tube, which stands for Serum Separator Tube. In this article, we will explore what SST tubes are, their significance in healthcare, and their impact on patient care.

What is an SST Tube?

An SST Tube is a type of blood collection tube that is designed to separate blood cells from serum following centrifugation. The tube contains a gel separator, typically made of silica, which forms a barrier between the serum and the blood cells. This allows for easy and accurate separation of the components for further testing.

Components of an SST Tube

  1. Tube body: The main portion of the tube where the blood sample is collected.
  2. Gel separator: A gel substance that separates the serum from the blood cells post-centrifugation.
  3. Stopper: A rubber stopper that seals the tube to prevent leakage.

Usage of SST Tubes

  1. Blood collection: SST tubes are commonly used for routine blood draws in clinical settings.
  2. Specimen testing: The separated serum can be used for various tests, including chemistry panels, hormone assays, and disease screening.
  3. Storage: SST tubes are also utilized for storing serum samples for future reference or additional testing.

Significance of SST Tubes in Healthcare

SST tubes play a pivotal role in healthcare for several reasons, including:

Accuracy

By separating serum from blood cells, SST tubes ensure that accurate Test Results are obtained. This is crucial for diagnosing medical conditions and monitoring patient health.

Efficiency

The use of SST tubes streamlines the blood collection process, allowing for quick and efficient testing. This is particularly important in busy clinical settings where time is of the essence.

Cost-Effectiveness

Utilizing SST tubes reduces the need for multiple sample collections, which can be costly and time-consuming. This, in turn, helps healthcare facilities save resources and improve Workflow.

Importance of SST Tubes for Phlebotomists

For phlebotomists, understanding the role of SST tubes is crucial for performing successful blood collections and ensuring quality specimens. Key reasons why SST tubes are important for phlebotomists include:

Proper Handling

Phlebotomists must follow specific protocols for collecting, labeling, and storing SST tubes to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Proper handling of SST tubes is essential for maintaining Sample Integrity.

Knowledge of Tests

Phlebotomists need to be aware of the types of tests that can be performed using serum samples obtained from SST tubes. This knowledge helps in selecting the appropriate tubes and facilitating the testing process.

Patient Care

By utilizing SST tubes correctly, phlebotomists contribute to the overall quality of patient care. Accurate testing results help Healthcare Providers make informed decisions about diagnosis and treatment, ultimately benefiting the patient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SST tubes are a vital component of medical lab and phlebotomy practice in the United States. Understanding the purpose of SST tubes, their components, and usage is essential for healthcare professionals to provide accurate and efficient patient care. By recognizing the significance of SST tubes in specimen testing and blood collection, phlebotomists can ensure quality results and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

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Lauren Davis, BS, CPT

Lauren Davis is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of Miami. With 5 years of hands-on experience in both hospital and mobile phlebotomy settings, Lauren has developed a passion for ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during blood draws. She has extensive experience in pediatric, geriatric, and inpatient phlebotomy, and is committed to advancing the practices of blood collection to improve both accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Lauren enjoys writing about the latest phlebotomy techniques, patient communication, and the importance of adhering to best practices in laboratory safety. She is also an advocate for continuing education in the field and frequently conducts workshops to help other phlebotomists stay updated with industry standards.

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