BD Vacutainer Serum Separator Tube (SST Tube) 16 mm × 100 mm
The BD Vacutainer® Serum Separator Tube (SST™) is an evacuated blood collection tube used to draw venous blood and obtain serum. It holds about 8.5 mL of blood (draw volume) and is 16 mm in diameter by 100 mm long. The tube is made of clear PET plastic, sterile and single-use, and contains additives (a clot activator and a special gel) to ensure rapid clotting and clean serum separation.
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Additives & Function: The SST contains spray-coated silica particles (a clot activator) on the inner walls and an inert acrylic polymer gel at the bottom. When blood is drawn in, the silica induces clot formation. On centrifugation, the acrylic gel moves upwards to form a barrier between the clot/cells and the serum. This barrier prevents cells from contaminating the serum and preserves labile analytes (for example, potassium and glucose remain stable for days at 2–8 °C).
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Closure & Coding: SST tubes use BD’s one-piece Hemogard™ cap closure (gold or “tiger” color) to seal the tube. The gold cap identifies it as a serum separator tube in the BD color-coding scheme. (Older SST tubes used a red/gray conventional rubber stopper［a］, but the current SST II Advance design uses the gold Hemogard cap.) Like other Vacutainers, these tubes are latex-free and labeled for “SST” (serum separator tube) and “Clot Activator Tube” (CAT).
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Capacity & Dimensions: Each tube’s vacuum draws up to about 8.5 mL of blood. The overall size is roughly 16 mm × 100 mm, a standard adult tube dimension. The tube is pre-labeled for volume and fit into BD holders and analyzers. Tubes are packed sterile (e.g. racks or boxes of 100) to ensure single-patient use.
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Usage & Processing: In practice, the phlebotomist inserts a Vacutainer needle into the patient’s vein and pushes the SST tube onto the holder. The pre-evacuated vacuum automatically draws the blood into the tube. Immediately after collection, invert the filled tube about 5–10 times to mix blood with the silica clot activator. Then let the tube stand to clot. A 30-minute clotting time (at room temperature) is generally sufficient for normal patients. Next, centrifuge the tube for about 10 minutes at 1,300–2,000 × g (18–25 °C). During centrifugation the clot has formed and the gel rises to its mid-tube position, yielding a stable barrier. After spinning, the clear serum (above the gel) can be pipetted or decanted for testing.
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Applications: SST tubes are widely used for any test requiring serum. They are standard for clinical chemistry panels, serology/immunology assays, hormone testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and more. The gel barrier improves sample quality: it prevents ongoing metabolism by blood cells and thus keeps analyte concentrations stable. Because serum is obtained automatically in the primary tube, there is no need to transfer serum to another container (reducing handling and identification errors.
Note: Because these tubes contain no anticoagulant, they are not used for coagulation tests or when plasma is needed. If a patient is on anticoagulant therapy, clotting may take longer than usual – in such cases allow extra time or choose an alternative tube.
Why Choose BD Vacutainer SST Venous Blood Collection Tubes?
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Superior Serum Separator Technology: SST (Serum Separator Tube) features advanced gel barrier, ensuring rapid and complete serum separation from the blood clot, minimizing hemolysis and improving test accuracy.
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Optimal Blood Volume: 8.5 mL capacity allows for multiple tests with a single draw, improving workflow efficiency and patient comfort.
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Universal Compatibility: Industry-standard 16mm x 100mm size fits virtually all blood collection systems, centrifuges, and laboratory equipment.
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Sterile and Safe: Each tube is individually vacuum-sealed for one-time use, preventing contamination and ensuring sample integrity.
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Color-Coded Red Tops: Immediate visual identification for serum testing ensures proper use and reduces laboratory errors.
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Trusted BD Quality: BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) is synonymous with reliability, innovation, and proven clinical results.
Key Product Details & Specifications
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Brand: BD Vacutainer
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Type: SST Venous Blood Collection Tube (Serum Separator Tube)
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Top Color: Red
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Tube Volume: 8.5 mL
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Dimensions: 16mm diameter x 100mm length
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Packaging: Bulk boxes available (see your SKU for quantities)
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Application: Venous blood draw, serum collection, clinical chemistry, routine diagnostic testing
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Material: Medical-grade glass or PET plastic (check individual product details)
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Sterility: Pre-sterilized, vacuum-sealed
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Latex-Free: Safe for sensitive patients and clinical staff
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Additive: Clot activator and gel separator for optimal sample recovery
Ideal Clinical & Laboratory Uses
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Routine Chemistry Panels: Reliable for metabolic, liver, renal, and lipid panels.
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Serology & Immunology Testing: Perfect for antibody, viral, and hormonal assays.
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Blood Bank & Diagnostic Centers: Ensures optimal sample quality for transfusions and specialized laboratory investigations.
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Hospitals, Physician Offices, & Urgent Care: Convenient for all routine blood draws and multiple panel testing.
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Research & Biotech Labs: Preferred for serum sample stability and analytical accuracy.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Guarantees rapid and complete serum separation
- Maximizes test reliability and efficiency
- Minimizes specimen contamination and clotting errors
- Bulk packaging ideal for high-volume clinical settings
- Universal fit for all standard phlebotomy and laboratory equipment
- Supports high-throughput, precise laboratory workflow
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Trusted Worldwide for Accurate Blood Collection — Choose BD Vacutainer SST Tubes with Red Tops for Professional Results
Join leading hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and healthcare providers who rely on BD Vacutainer SST Venous Blood Collection Tubes for critical blood tests and routine patient screening. For every blood draw, take confidence in superior serum quality, minimized sample errors, and the industry’s safest, most dependable collection system.
Buy BD Vacutainer SST Venous Blood Collection Tubes (8.5 mL, 16mm x 100mm, Red Top) today and ensure every test begins with accuracy, safety, and uncompromised sample integrity!
