What color typically indicates a serum separator tube (SST)?

The serum separator tube (SST) is typically identified by its yellow color. This type of tube contains a gel that separates the serum from the blood cells when centrifuged, making it particularly valuable for various laboratory tests. The yellow color is a distinct characteristic of this tube type, allowing healthcare professionals to easily identify it among others used for blood collection. The gel inside the SST plays a crucial role in facilitating the separation of serum, which is essential for accurate testing outcomes, especially in chemistry panels and serological tests. The other colors listed represent different types of tubes that serve various purposes; for example, green tubes are generally used for heparin, red tubes may be used for serum collection without additives, and blue tubes are often used for coagulation tests.