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SST Blood Collection Tubes with Clot Activator and Separator Gel Additive for 3.5 mL 13mm x 75mm with Hemogard Closure, 100/box

by BD
Sale 26%
Original price $ 65.95
Current price $ 48.50
SKU 367983

Heparin SST (Serum Separator Tube) Blood Collection Tubes with a clot activator and separator gel are used to collect and process blood samples for clinical chemistry analysis. Typically, SST tubes contain a clot activator and separator gel, but do not typically include heparin. Instead, tubes with a clot activator and separator gel are used to facilitate clot formation and separate serum from the blood.

These tubes are ideal for:

  1. Serum Chemistry Tests: Assessing metabolic and organ function.
  2. Immunoassays: Analyzing hormones, proteins, and other analytes.
  3. Serology: Detecting antibodies and antigens.

The clot activator promotes rapid clotting, while the separator gel forms a barrier between the serum and blood cells after centrifugation, ensuring clear separation for accurate testing. If you encountered a tube labeled with both heparin and SST elements, clarifying with the manufacturer or laboratory reference is advisable, as these features are generally distinct.

SST Blood Collection Tubes are specialized tubes used for collecting and storing blood samples for laboratory testing. These particular tubes are manufactured by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and are part of their Vacutainer Plus line of products. The tubes are 3.5 mL in volume and measure 13mm in diameter and 75mm in length. They are equipped with a Hemogard Closure, which is a safety feature that helps prevent needlestick injuries. The tubes contain both a clot activator and a gel separator additive. The clot activator helps the blood to clot faster, while the gel separator helps to separate the serum from the blood cells during centrifugation. This allows for a clear and clean separation of the components, which is important for accurate laboratory testing. The tubes are typically used for chemistry and immunology tests that require serum as a sample.

What is an SST Transport Tube

The SST is Serum Separation Transport and the Vacutainer version contains double the amount of gel in comparison to BD regular SST tubes.

BD SST Tubes are intended for collecting specimen in physician laboratories and/or remote station and require transport to a laboratory for serum determinations and analysis for the following:

  • Chemistry Testing
  • Blood Donor Screening
  • Infectious Disease Testing

The Purpose of the Silica Coating & Polymer Gel

SST Tubes are sterile and contain a spray-coated silica and polymer gel additive. The gel is used to separate the serum to maintain the quality of the sample while in transport. Silica particles coat the tube and make the inside walls appear cloudy. These particles are the clot activator. It is recommended to invert the tube after filling to ensure the sample is adequately mixed with the clot activator for optimal performance.

Closure Types/Color

The SST Blood Tube is available in a conventional tube stopper (Red/Grey) or a BD Vacutainer® Hemogard™ Tube Closure (Gold) which prevents contact with the blood on the stopper and rim so there isn't blood splatter.

  • Color-Coded Stopper/Closure
  • Break-Resistant Plastic Tube
  • Safe and Efficient
  • Decreases Turnaround Time
  • Hemogard Closure Shields Prevents Contact with Blood
  • Tube Specifically Prepared for Serum Determination

Specifications:

  • Manufacturer: (BD) Becton Dickinson Tube Material: Plastic
  • Tube Type: Serum Tube
  • Coating: Silicone
  • Additive: Gel Separator/Clot Activator
  • Label Type: Paper
  • Sterile: Yes
FAQs About Vacutainer Tubes
  • What Are Vacutainer Tubes?

    Vacutainer tubes are specialized, sterile blood collection tubes designed for safe, reliable, and contamination-free blood draws and specimen handling. These color-coded, single-use tubes ensure accurate diagnostic testing in hospitals, medical labs, clinics, and phlebotomy centers.

  • How are Vacutainer Tubes Used?

    Blood is drawn from the patient using a needle attached to a special holder. Tube is inserted into the holder; the vacuum draws the correct amount of blood into the tube. Tube is gently inverted (if required) to mix the blood with the additive. Tubes are labeled and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

  • Advantages of Vacutainer Tubes

    Safety: Minimizes exposure to blood. Efficiency: Allows multiple tubes to be drawn in a single venipuncture (“multiple draw” system). Accuracy: Delivers the correct volume for standardized testing.

  • Do Vacutainers Need to Be Sterile?

    Yes! Vacutainer tubes are sterile and individually sealed to prevent contamination and ensure accurate blood test results.

  • What is the Correct Order of Draw for a Vacutainer?

    Order of draw (to prevent cross-contamination): Blood culture bottles (yellow or SPS) Light blue (citrate) Red (serum, glass) Gold/Tiger top (SST, serum separator) Green (heparin) Lavender/Purple (EDTA) Gray (fluoride/oxalate)

  • What Do the Colors on Vacutainer Tubes Mean?

    Each color represents a different additive and test type: Yellow: Blood cultures, sterile Light Blue: Sodium citrate, coagulation studies (PT, aPTT) Red: No additive/Clot activator, chemistry/serology Gold/Tiger (SST): Serum separator (chemistry panels) Green: Heparin, plasma chemistry Lavender/Purple: EDTA, hematology (CBC) Gray: Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate, glucose testing

  • Can Vacutainers Be Reused?

    No. Vacutainer tubes are single-use only to prevent infection, cross-contamination, and ensure accurate lab results.

  • How to Sterilize a Vacutainer?

    Do not attempt to sterilize or reuse. Always utilize new, sterile vacutainer tubes for each blood draw.

  • Where to Discard Vacutainer Tube?

    Dispose of used and expired vacutainers in a biohazard sharps container, as per OSHA and CDC safety protocols.

  • How Many Times Should an EDTA Tube Be Inverted?

    Gently invert the EDTA (lavender top) tube 8–10 times to mix the blood with the anticoagulant for accurate results.

  • What Are Common Phlebotomy Errors?

    Incorrect order of draw Insufficient mixing of tubes Underfilling or overfilling tubes Using expired tubes Hemolysis from poor technique Mislabeling specimens

  • What Color Lab Tube Do You Draw First?

    The blood culture (yellow/SPS) bottle is always drawn first to avoid contamination, followed by the light blue citrate tube.

  • What is a Grey Top Vacutainer Used For?

    Grey top tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate and are used for glucose and lactate testing, as they prevent sugar breakdown in the sample.

  • What Color Should Blood Be When Drawn?

    Blood should appear dark red (venous) or bright red (arterial), based on the draw. Abnormal colors may indicate clinical problems.

  • Does a Vacutainer Expire?

    Yes, each vacutainer has an expiration date for sterility and additive effectiveness—never use expired tubes for specimen collection.

  • What Can Happen if Vacutainers Are Mixed Vigorously?

    Vigorous mixing causes hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells) and sample rejection. Always invert gently as instructed.

  • Are Vacutainers Single Use Only?

    Absolutely. Never reuse; always discard after a single blood draw to maintain patient safety and sample integrity.

  • What Temperature Should a Vacutainer Be Stored At?

    Store vacutainer tubes at room temperature (15°C–25°C / 59°F–77°F) in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

  • How to Dispose of Expired Vacutainers?

    Expired vacutainers are disposed of in a biohazard sharps or chemical waste container per your lab’s safety policy.

  • How to Memorize Order of Draw Phlebotomy?

    Use the mnemonic: "Boys Love Ravishing Girls Like Dieters Love Greek Yogurt" (Blood culture, Light blue, Red, Gold, Light green, Dark green, Lavender, Gray, Yellow).

  • What Happens if You Underfill an EDTA Tube?

    Underfilling alters the blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, skewing hematology test results (like CBC). Always fill tubes to designated mark.

  • What is SST in Phlebotomy?

    SST (Serum Separator Tube) contains a gel that separates blood serum from cells after centrifugation. Used for chemistry panels, serology, and immunology tests.

  • What Labs Go in What Color Tubes?

    Blood culture (yellow): Microbiology Light blue: Coagulation (PT, aPTT) Red/Gold/Tiger: Chemistry, serology, immunology Green: Plasma chemistry (troponin, ammonia) Lavender/Purple: Hematology (CBC, HbA1c) Gray: Glucose testing

  • Why Choose Our Vacutainer Tubes?

    Sterile, single-use vacuum tubes for perfect blood collection Accurate color-coded labeling for error-free phlebotomy Leak-proof, shatter-resistant and tamper-evident design Trusted by hospitals, labs, clinics, and research facilities Compatible with all leading blood collection systems Available in all standard sizes and additives

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