What is the purpose of the gold tube in blood collection?

The gold tube is specifically designed for serum collection, which is why the primary purpose is to collect serum for various tests. This type of tube typically contains a gel separator and clot activator that facilitates the process of separating serum from the blood cells once the tube has been centrifuged.

When the sample is centrifuged, the gel forms a barrier between the serum and the cellular components, allowing for easy retrieval of the serum without contamination from cells. This is essential for many chemistry tests and other laboratory evaluations requiring serum, as it ensures accurate results.

The design of the gold tube makes it distinctly suitable for tests that analyze serum, avoiding potential interferences and providing a clearer sample for diagnostic purposes. Other tubes, such as those designed for specific tests like coagulation, do not serve this same function, nor do they contain the components necessary for fast serum separation.