🔬Lab & Specimen Handling
What is an SST tube?
A serum separator tube (gold or red/gray top) allows blood to clot and separates serum via centrifugation. Used for most chemistry and serology panels.
SST tubes contain a clot activator and a gel that, after centrifugation, forms a barrier between the serum and the clot. The clear yellow serum on top is used for testing.
Common tests using SST tubes:
Tubes are inverted 5 times after collection, then allowed to clot for 30 minutes before centrifugation.
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- What happens if instructions are unclear?
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- Can samples be stored temporarily?
- What if a patient is not fasting?
- What happens if processing is missed?
- How do you prevent hemolysis?
- Can mobile phlebotomy meet lab standards?
- Are protocols standardized?
- Can providers follow custom SOPs?
- Can clinical trials require special handling?
- Can pediatric samples be handled?
- Can difficult draws affect samples?
- Can samples be split into multiple vials?
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- Can providers handle urine samples?
- Can saliva samples be collected?
- Can stool kits be handled?
- Can blood be drawn for DNA tests?
- Can samples be refrigerated?
- Can providers bring centrifuges?
- Can mobile phlebotomy meet CAP/CLIA expectations?
- Who is responsible for specimen integrity?
- Can providers reject unsafe orders?
- What happens if instructions are unclear?
- Can providers contact labs directly?
- Can labs audit mobile phlebotomists?
- Can providers document specimen handling?
- Are logs maintained?
- Can providers upload proof of delivery?
- Can samples be hand-delivered?
- What is the best way to ensure sample quality?