What is the role of the serum separator in a blood collection tube?

The serum separator plays a crucial role in the blood collection process by facilitating the separation of serum from clotted blood. Once a blood sample is centrifuged, the serum separator ensures that the liquid portion, the serum, becomes distinct from the cellular components of the blood. This separation is vital for many laboratory tests, as serum is needed for biochemical analysis and other assessments that do not require clotting factors.

The design of serum separator tubes typically includes a gel or polymer that forms a barrier between the blood cells and the serum after centrifugation. This property helps to prevent contamination of the serum with blood cells, enabling more accurate test results. Having clear separation directly impacts the quality of laboratory analysis and can be critical for diagnosing various health conditions effectively.