What Kind Of Samples Are Collected In Sst Tubes In Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from patients for various medical tests, transfusions, donations, or research purposes. One common method used in phlebotomy is collecting blood samples in serum separator tubes (SST tubes). These tubes are designed to separate the blood into serum and cells, making it easier for laboratory technicians to analyze the sample. In this article, we will explore the types of samples that are collected in SST tubes and why they are used in phlebotomy.

What are SST Tubes?

SST tubes, also known as serum separator tubes, are a type of blood collection tube that contains a gel separator at the bottom. This gel acts as a physical barrier between the serum (liquid portion of the blood) and the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). When the tube is spun in a centrifuge, the gel separator forms a barrier that allows the serum to separate from the cells, making it easier to collect and analyze.

Types of Samples Collected in SST Tubes

SST tubes are commonly used to collect a variety of blood samples for different tests. Here are some of the most common types of samples collected in SST tubes:

Serum

1. One of the primary samples collected in SST tubes is serum. Serum is the liquid portion of the blood that remains after the blood has clotted and the cells have been removed. It contains various proteins, hormones, antibodies, and other substances that can provide valuable information about a patient's health.
2. Serum samples are commonly used to test for a wide range of conditions, including diabetes, kidney function, liver function, thyroid disorders, and Infectious Diseases.

Chemistry Panels

1. Another common use for SST tubes is collecting blood samples for chemistry panels. Chemistry panels are a series of tests that measure different substances in the blood, such as electrolytes, glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes.
2. These panels can help Healthcare Providers assess a patient's overall health, monitor the effects of medications, diagnose medical conditions, and track the progression of diseases.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

1. SST tubes are also used to collect blood samples for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring. This type of testing measures the concentration of specific medications in a patient's blood to ensure they are within a safe and effective range.
2. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring is essential for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, such as certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and anticoagulants, to prevent toxicity or treatment failure.

Immunology Testing

1. Immunology testing is another area where SST tubes are commonly used to collect blood samples. These tests measure the immune system's response to infections, vaccines, allergens, and Autoimmune Diseases.
2. Immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and Western blot tests, are performed on serum samples collected in SST tubes to detect antibodies, antigens, and other immune markers.

Specialized Testing

1. Some specialized tests require blood samples collected in SST tubes, such as hormone assays, tumor markers, viral load testing, and Genetic Testing.
2. These tests provide essential information for diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions, such as cancer, Infectious Diseases, hormonal imbalances, and genetic disorders.

Benefits of Using SST Tubes in Phlebotomy

There are several benefits to using SST tubes in phlebotomy to collect blood samples:

1. Efficient Separation: SST tubes provide a convenient and efficient way to separate serum from cells without the need for additional processing steps.
2. Minimized Hemolysis: The gel separator in SST tubes helps reduce the risk of hemolysis (breaking of red blood cells) during sample collection and processing.
3. Increased Stability: Serum samples collected in SST tubes are more stable and can be stored for longer periods without compromising the quality of the sample.
4. Standardized Collection: Using SST tubes ensures consistent and standardized collection of blood samples, reducing variability in Test Results.
5. Cost-Effective: SST tubes are cost-effective and widely available, making them a practical choice for routine blood collection in healthcare settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SST tubes are essential tools in phlebotomy for collecting blood samples for a wide range of tests. These tubes allow for efficient separation of serum from cells, providing valuable information about a patient's health. By understanding the types of samples collected in SST tubes and the benefits of using them in phlebotomy, Healthcare Providers can ensure accurate and reliable Test Results for better patient care and treatment outcomes.

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