VACUETTE PREMIUM Serum Separator Clot Activator Tube (13 x 75 mm)

A sterile, evacuated plastic blood collection tube with spray-coated microscopic silica particles on the inner wall that activate blood coagulation, plus a polymer gel barrier at the bottom. After blood collection and centrifugation, the gel moves upward to form a stable physical barrier between serum and clotted cells, enabling clean serum separation for laboratory analysis. Made from virtually unbreakable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic with pre-determined vacuum for accurate blood-to-additive ratio.

Common humanitarian uses:

• Clinical chemistry testing in field hospitals and mobile laboratories
• Disease surveillance and epidemic monitoring requiring serum analysis
• Nutritional assessment through biochemical markers in malnutrition screening programs
• Infectious disease diagnosis (HIV, hepatitis, malaria serology) in resource-limited settings
• Therapeutic drug monitoring for TB, antiretroviral, or antimalarial treatment programs
• Maternal health screening during pregnancy in humanitarian medical facilities
• Trauma patient assessment requiring liver function, kidney function, or electrolyte testing

Key information:

• Size: 13 mm diameter x 75 mm length (pediatric/small volume tube)
• Draw volume: Approximately 3.5-4 mL blood capacity
• Tube material: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic - virtually unbreakable
• Additive: Clot activator (micronized silica particles, SiO2) + gel separator
• Cap color: Typically gold/yellow cap with colored ring (standard serum separator color coding)
• Closure type: Non-ridged pull cap (can be removed and replaced multiple times)
• Vacuum: Pre-determined for accurate fill volume
• Shelf life: 18 months from date of manufacture when properly stored
• Package quantity: 50 tubes per box
• Storage requirements: Room temperature (15-25°C), protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
• Requires prescription: Varies by region; typically requires clinical laboratory setting

Important safety notes:

• Inversion technique critical: After blood collection, gently invert tube 5-8 times immediately to mix blood with clot activator; do not shake vigorously
• Clotting time required: Allow blood to clot completely at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before centrifugation; premature centrifugation yields incomplete clot formation
• Centrifugation parameters: Centrifuge at 1500-2000 g for 10 minutes to ensure complete gel barrier formation and serum separation
• Order of draw: When collecting multiple tubes, draw serum separator tubes after coagulation tubes but before additive tubes to prevent contamination
• Do not recentrifuge: Once gel barrier is formed, do not recentrifuge as this may disrupt the barrier and contaminate serum with cellular components
• Proper labeling: Label tubes before or immediately after collection with patient identification, date, and time to prevent specimen mix-ups

VACUETTE Premium Tube Advantages: The plastic construction eliminates glass breakage hazards, critical in humanitarian settings with limited sharps disposal infrastructure. The gel separator provides clean serum without the need for serum transfer pipetting, reducing laboratory workload and contamination risk. Pre-spray coating ensures consistent clot activation across all tubes. The 13x75mm pediatric size minimizes blood volume required, important when testing children or patients with limited blood volume. The evacuated system ensures accurate fill and consistent sample quality for reliable test results even when operated by staff with varying phlebotomy experience levels.

Alternative names: Serum tube, SST tube (serum separator tube), gold top tube, clot activator tube, gel separator tube, blood collection tube, tube à sérum avec gel séparateur (French), tubo de suero con gel separador (Spanish), vacutainer (competitor term), VACUETTE serum tube

⚠ Disclaimer: This description is for inventory identification only. Blood collection must only be performed by trained phlebotomy personnel following proper venipuncture techniques. Always follow manufacturer's Instructions for Use and laboratory standard operating procedures. Check local regulations regarding distribution and use.