Proper tube selection and handling are important for successful specimen collection and accurate testing. Vibrant commonly uses several types of blood collection tubes, including:
- SST (Serum Separator) tubes
- Royal Blue Top Serum tubes
- Lithium Heparin tubes
- EDTA tubes
Each tube serves a different purpose and may require specific handling after collection.
SST (Serum Separator) Tubes
SST tubes contain a gel barrier and typically a clot activator. During centrifugation, the gel helps separate the serum from the blood cells.
SST tubes can typically be identified by their tiger-top or red-colored stoppers and are used across a variety of Vibrant tests.
How to Handle SST Tubes
After collection:
- Place the tube upright in a rack.
- Allow the specimen to clot. The recommended clotting time is 30 minutes, with a maximum of 60 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 15–20 minutes at 3300 RPM.
Royal Blue Top Serum Tubes
Royal blue top serum tubes are used for trace element analysis, including measurements of elements such as copper, zinc, and selenium.
After processing, the serum must be transferred into the TES pour-off tube provided by Vibrant.
Royal blue tubes use color coding to distinguish tube types:
- Red tab: Serum
- Purple tab: EDTA
These tubes are used for Vibrant’s Micronutrient testing.
How to Handle Royal Blue Serum Tubes
Royal blue serum tubes follow the same clotting and centrifugation process as other serum tubes:
- Keep the tube upright.
- Allow approximately 30 minutes for clotting, with a maximum of 60 minutes.
- Centrifuge for 15–20 minutes at 3300 RPM.
- Carefully transfer the serum into the appropriate transfer tube.
Use caution when transferring serum to avoid contaminating it with red blood cells.
Lithium Heparin Tubes
Lithium heparin tubes contain an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting and are primarily used when a plasma sample is required.
These tubes typically have a green-colored stopper.
Important: Do not confuse Lithium Heparin tubes with Sodium Heparin tubes. Sodium Heparin is not an acceptable substitute for Vibrant testing.
Even though these tubes contain a plasma separator, the plasma must still be transferred into a pour-off tube labeled “plasma.”
How to Handle Lithium Heparin Tubes
Lithium Heparin tubes do not require clotting.
After collection:
- Centrifuge the tube for 15–20 minutes.
- Transfer the resulting plasma into a properly labeled transfer tube.
EDTA Tubes
EDTA is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. These tubes are used when testing requires a whole blood sample.
EDTA tubes can typically be identified by their lavender-colored stoppers.
Because EDTA helps preserve blood cell morphology, these tubes are suitable for blood cell analysis and are also used for Vibrant’s Micronutrient testing.
After Collection
Anticoagulant tubes, including lavender tubes, should be gently inverted 8–10 times immediately after collection. Improper inversion can result in clotting or platelet clumping and may cause the specimen to be rejected.
For more assistance, please contact support through Live Chat or email support@vibrant-wellness.com.