What colors are associated with a serum separator tube (SST)?

The serum separator tube (SST) is identified by its red and black marble color. This design helps in distinguishing it from other types of tubes used in blood collection. The red component typically indicates the presence of a clot activator, facilitating the serum separation process during centrifugation. The black marbling helps to visually identify the tube as one designed to separate serum, which is essential for various laboratory tests.

In a clinical setting, serum separator tubes are used particularly when blood tests require serum rather than plasma—this is crucial for specific analyses where the presence of anticoagulants might interfere. Therefore, recognizing the red and black marble color can assist phlebotomists and laboratory personnel in ensuring they are using the correct tube for such tests, promoting accurate results and efficient laboratory workflows.