BD Vacutainer® SST™ Tubes, 16 x 125 mm, 10mL

The BD Vacutainer® SST™ (Serum Separator Tube) is a sterile, single-use blood collection tube designed for the efficient collection, separation, and storage of serum samples. With a capacity of 10 mL, these tubes are widely used in clinical and diagnostic settings. They feature an advanced gel barrier technology that separates serum from blood cells after centrifugation, ensuring high-quality, undiluted serum for accurate and reliable test results.

Key Features

1. Gel Separator:
   • Contains an inert polymer gel that forms a stable barrier between serum and cellular components after centrifugation.
2. Clot Activator:
   • Coated with silica particles that promote rapid and complete clot formation, reducing processing time.
3. Tube Size:
   • Dimensions of 16 x 125 mm, with a 10 mL capacity suitable for a wide range of diagnostic tests.
4. Safety:
   • Designed with a safety-engineered Hemoguard™ closure to minimize the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure and accidental spillage.
5. Material:
   • Made from durable, shatter-resistant plastic that ensures safe handling during collection and transport.
6. Sterility:
   • Sterile and free of contaminants, ensuring sample integrity for precise diagnostic testing.

Use Cases

1. Clinical Chemistry:
   • Ideal for routine metabolic panels, liver function tests, and kidney function assessments.
   • Provides high-quality serum samples for analyzing electrolytes, glucose, proteins, and enzymes.
2. Immunology and Serology:
   • Used for detecting and quantifying antibodies, antigens, and immunoglobulins in autoimmune and infectious disease testing.
   • Supports viral load monitoring and specific antigen detection in diagnostic labs.
3. Toxicology Testing:
   • Essential for the analysis of drugs, poisons, and alcohol levels in clinical toxicology and forensic investigations.
4. Endocrinology:
   • Facilitates hormone level testing, including thyroid function (TSH, T4, T3) and reproductive hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, and estrogen).
5. Nutritional and Vitamin Analysis:
   • Allows testing for deficiencies in vitamins, trace elements, and nutrients critical for patient health.
6. Blood Banking and Research:
   • Provides high-purity serum for research and development purposes, including in the study of biomarkers and pharmaceutical trials.

Advantages

1. Efficient Sample Processing:
   • The gel barrier ensures that serum remains uncontaminated and separated during and after centrifugation.
2. Reduced Hemolysis:
   • Hemoguard™ closure and high-quality materials minimize the risk of hemolysis, ensuring accurate results.
3. Time-Saving:
   • Rapid clotting and separation reduce processing time, improving laboratory efficiency.
4. Safe and Easy to Handle:
   • Leak-resistant Hemoguard™ closure provides added safety and convenience during sample handling and transport.

Storage and Handling

• Storage: Tubes should be stored at 4–25°C in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
• Centrifugation: Recommended at 1100–1300 RCF for 10 minutes to achieve effective serum separation.
• Shelf Life: Check the expiry date printed on the packaging before use.

Specifications

Precautions

• Do not use if the tube is damaged or past its expiration date.
• Ensure proper mixing of the clot activator by gently inverting the tube 5-6 times immediately after collection.
• Avoid overfilling or underfilling to ensure accurate test results and appropriate centrifugation performance.
• Dispose of used tubes following local biosafety and hazardous material guidelines.

The BD Vacutainer® SST™ Tubes, with their advanced gel separator and clot activator, are essential tools in modern laboratories for reliable and efficient serum sample collection. These tubes support a wide range of diagnostic tests, from routine blood panels to specialized endocrinology and toxicology studies, making them a versatile and indispensable choice for clinicians and researchers alike.