What does a serum separator tube help with in blood analysis?

A serum separator tube is designed specifically to facilitate the separation of serum from blood cells after the sample has been centrifuged. This tube contains a gel that forms a barrier between the serum and the cellular components once the blood is spun in a centrifuge. The process allows the liquid portion of the blood, known as serum, to be isolated efficiently, ensuring that the analysis of various blood components can be carried out accurately and effectively.

This separation is crucial for many diagnostic tests, as serum is often required for biochemical analyses, hormone testing, and other evaluations that necessitate a clear liquid sample free from cellular matter. Therefore, the primary function of the serum separator tube is its ability to separate serum from the cellular components of the blood, making it an essential tool in clinical laboratories for proper specimen processing.