Gold Top Tube (SST): Serum Separator Tube For Biochemistry & Immunology Test

Top 10 Laboratory Tests That Use Gold Top Tube

1. Liver Function Test (LFT) – To evaluate liver health
2. Kidney Function Test (KFT) – BUN, Creatinine, Electrolytes
3. Lipid Profile – Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
4. Thyroid Profile – TSH, T3, T4
5. Vitamin D & B12 – Nutritional assessment
6. Hormone Panels – Cortisol, Testosterone, Estradiol
7. Glucose (Fasting/PP) – When serum-based testing is needed
8. Serology – HIV, HBsAg, HCV, Syphilis screening
9. CRP / ESR by Serum – Inflammatory markers
10. Electrolytes & Chemistry Panels – Sodium, Potassium, Calcium

Best Practices for Using Gold Top Tube in Phlebotomy

• Verify Patient Identity: Confirm before collection.
• Proper Mixing: Invert 5-6 times to mix clot activator.
• Allow Clotting: Wait 30 minutes before centrifugation.
• Correct Centrifugation: Follow lab protocol to avoid hemolysis.
• Avoid Hemolysis: Use gentle venipuncture technique.
• Timely Processing: Centrifuge and separate serum promptly.

10 Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Gold Top Tube Usage

1. Gather supplies (SST tube, needle, tourniquet, swabs).
2. Verify patient identity and label tube.
3. Prepare venipuncture site (alcohol swab, let dry).
4. Perform venipuncture, attach tube.
5. Fill tube completely to the fill line.
6. Gently invert 5–6 times to mix clot activator.
7. Allow clotting for 30 minutes.
8. Centrifuge at correct speed/time.
9. Check for proper gel barrier separation.
10. Transport serum to lab analyzer or store properly.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Underfilling tube – leads to incorrect serum-to-cell ratio
2. Not waiting for complete clotting – may cause fibrin strands in serum
3. Improper mixing – clot activator may not work properly
4. Hemolysis due to rough handling – interferes with results
5. Wrong centrifugation speed/time – incomplete separation
6. Delayed centrifugation – can change analyte levels
7. Mislabeling – critical error for patient safety

5 Innovations & Advances in Gold Top Tube Technology

1. Rapid Clot Activators: Reduce clotting time to <10 minutes.
2. Advanced Gel Formulations: Provide more stable barrier, less interference.
3. Leak-proof Closures: Better sample transport safety.
4. RFID-Enabled Tubes: For real-time sample tracking.
5. Integrated Microtubes: For pediatric and low-volume collections.

FAQs: Gold Top Tube (SST)

1. How long does it take for blood to clot in a Gold Top Tube?
Usually 30 minutes at room temperature.

2. Can I centrifuge immediately after collection?
No, wait for complete clotting to avoid fibrin contamination.

3. Is gel toxic to serum?
No, it is inert and safe for clinical use.

4. How long is serum stable after separation?
Typically 24–48 hours refrigerated; follow lab guidelines.

5. Can hemolyzed serum be used?
No, hemolysis affects many chemistry results.

Drlogy Blood Cllection Tube Guide

Here are 14 types of blood colelction tubes with color.

Conclusion

The Gold Top Tube (SST) is a cornerstone of modern clinical chemistry. Its clot activator and gel separator ensure a clean, cell-free serum sample ideal for biochemistry, immunology, and serology tests. Proper technique—especially mixing, clotting time, and centrifugation—is critical to obtaining reliable results that support accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Check Complete Guide on Drlogy Blood Collection Tubes with Color Codes & Uses to master phlebotomy techniques, improve sample handling, and reduce pre-analytical errors