Is a gel tube the same as a sst tube?

A gel tube and an SST (Serum Separator Tube) are often used interchangeably, as they both contain a gel that separates serum from blood cells during centrifugation. However, SST tubes specifically refer to a type of gel tube designed for serum collection, typically containing a clot activator. While all SST tubes are gel tubes, not all gel tubes may be SSTs, as some may be used for different types of tests. Always check the specific lab requirements for the type of tube needed.