What is red speckled separator tubes used for?

Red speckled separator tubes, commonly known as serum separator tubes (SSTs), are used in laboratory blood collection for serological testing. The red speckled design indicates that the tube contains a gel separator, which facilitates the separation of serum from blood cells after centrifugation. This allows for the collection of serum without contamination from cellular components, making it ideal for various diagnostic tests. SSTs are often used in routine chemistry panels and other assays requiring serum samples.