The color of the test tube for serum is typically red or gold. Red top tubes contain a clot activator and are used for collecting serum for various blood tests. Gold top tubes have a clot activator and serum separator gel to aid in separating serum from other blood components.
The sst top tube typically contains serum after processing because the clot activator in the tube separates the serum from the blood cells. Plasma is obtained from tubes with anticoagulants that prevent clot formation.
serum separators
Speckled tubes, often referred to as serum separator tubes (SST), are used when a serum sample is required for testing. The speckled or mottled color typically indicates that the tube contains a gel separator and a clot activator, allowing for the separation of serum from the clot after centrifugation. They are commonly used for a variety of tests, including chemistry panels and certain serology tests, where serum is needed rather than whole blood.
A clot activator is a substance used in laboratory settings to promote the coagulation process in blood samples. It typically contains materials like silica or diatomaceous earth that facilitate the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, leading to the formation of a clot. Clot activators are commonly used in blood collection tubes to accelerate serum separation from the cellular components of blood, enabling quicker analysis of the serum in various diagnostic tests.
Blood serum can be obtained by collecting a blood sample from a vein and allowing it to clot. The sample is then centrifuged to separate the serum from the rest of the blood components. Serum is the liquid component of blood obtained after clotting, which does not contain cells or clotting factors.
Serum or supernatent
They help the blood sample in the tube clot so that serum can be separated for analysis. Serum is the preferred specimen for many tests such as hormones, proteins and electrolytes.
To obtain serum, the coagulated blood is left to clot at room temperature for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. After it is completely clotted, it is rimmed using an applicator stick and then centrifuged for approximately 5-10minutes at 2500 revolutions per minute. Then the supernatant fluid is separated.
Blood for an albumin test is usually drawn in a red or gold-top tube, which contains a clot activator and serum separator gel. This allows the blood to clot and separate the serum, which is then used for the albumin test.
The additive in red-gray or red-black speckled collection tubes is typically a clot activator and gel separator. These additives help to separate the blood sample from the serum after centrifugation, allowing for easier testing of the serum without interference from clots or cells.
Test tube holders are for after you take blood and if u have a test tube that has the clot activator in it, it has to sit for 30 mins so the blood can clot, once it clots you spin it down and you get the serum that is inside