serum separator tube


marble-top tube

Any of a number of blood collection tubes which contain a special gel that separates cells from serum and material that causes clotting. The blood is then centrifuged, allowing easy removal of serum for testing.

ser·um sep·a·ra·tor tube

(SST) (sēr'ŭm sep'ăr-ā'tŏr tūb) A blood collection tube containing a clot activator and a mass of gel with a density between those of serum and cells. During centrifugation, the gel comes to lie between serum and cells. Prevents contact between serum and cells.