What is the purpose of the gel in BD Vacutainer® SST™ Serum Separation Tubes and BD Vacutainer® PST™ Plasma Separator Tubes?
The gel forms a physical barrier between serum or plasma and blood cells during centrifugation. It is important to note that after collection, BD Vacutainer® SST™ Serum Separation Tubes should be inverted five times, allowed 30 minutes clotting time, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1000-1300 RCF (g) in a swing bucket centrifuge. BD Vacutainer® PST™ Plasma Separation Tubes should be inverted 8 times, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1000-1300 RCF (g) in a swing bucket centrifuge.
