Which tube is typically used to collect a Lipid Panel?

The tube typically used to collect a Lipid Panel is the SST (Serum Separator Tube). This type of tube contains a gel that acts as a separator, allowing for clear serum to be isolated from the blood cells after centrifugation.

Lipid panels measure various types of fats in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. The SST is ideal for this purpose because it facilitates the collection of serum, which is necessary for accurate lipid measurements. The gel in the SST prevents the serum from coming into contact with blood cells, minimizing the risk of cellular contamination and preserving the integrity of the sample for testing.

Using a different type of tube, such as the lavender tube which usually contains EDTA for whole blood tests, or the gray tube generally used for glucose testing, would not provide the appropriate sample required for analyzing lipid levels. The plain red tube can technically be used for serum tests; however, it lacks the gel separator which makes the SST a more efficient choice for collecting serum samples without needing additional steps to separate cells from serum.