The 5ml Separator Gel Tubes are disposable diagnostic tools essential for the collection and optimal separation of human venous blood samples. These test tubes, packaged in practical boxes of 50 pieces, are designed to ensure safe, hygienic and highly effective sampling. Made of high quality and transparent plastic materials, they allow visual inspection of the sample and reduce the risk of accidental breakages. The nominal volume of 5ml is ideal for most routine and specialist laboratory tests, ensuring the necessary quantity of sample for both haematochemical and serological analysis. The separating gel present on the bottom of the tube allows, after centrifugation, to form a stable physical barrier between the corpuscular fraction and the serum, thus optimizing the recovery of the sample for subsequent investigations, reducing the risk of contamination and facilitating automated pipetting in the analytical phases.
This type of test tube is designed for practical and efficient use both in centralized laboratories and in surgeries, clinics or medical practices where blood collections are carried out for routine diagnostic analyses, preventive screening or therapeutic monitoring. The adoption of the separating gel improves the preservation of the serum and maintains the stability of the collected components for several hours, offering a useful time window both for movement and for possible temporary storage before the pre-analytical and analytical phases. Each tube is supplied sterile and sealed, minimizing the risk of contamination or interference with laboratory results. The ergonomic cap ensures a secure but easily removable closure during centrifugation or during access with automatic or manual pipettes.
Therapeutic Indications
The 5ml Separator Gel Tubes are indicated for use in venous sampling intended for biochemical, serological, hormonal, immunological and virological analyses. They are particularly recommended when immediate and stable separation between the serum and the corpuscular component of the blood is required, an essential condition for obtaining reliable and reproducible diagnostic results. They are frequently used in routine tests such as the evaluation of blood chemistry parameters (cholesterol, glucose, creatinine, transaminases, electrolytes, etc.), tumor markers, hormonal dosages and the search for specific antibodies. The use of tubes with separating gel is known to increase the quality of the collected sample, reducing the presence of fibrin and residual cells that could interfere with the analyses. In hospital and clinical settings, these tubes are considered a standard for the preparation of serum intended for complex investigations such as autoimmunity, serotyping or evaluation of antibody titers in viral and bacterial infections. The presence of the gel makes it possible to safely defer automated pipetting for up to several hours, facilitating the logistics of centralized or decentralized laboratories.
Composition
The 5ml Separator Gel Test Tubes are mainly composed of transparent medical polypropylene, a material known for its robustness and ability to resist mechanical shock while maintaining the integrity of the sample. Inside them, there is a dedicated gel separation layer, whose polymeric composition is chemically inert and specifically designed to avoid interactions with the serum or corpuscular components of the blood. The gel is positioned between the serum and the red blood cells after the centrifugation process, remaining stable even in case of vigorous movement of the tube. The cap is generally made of plastic material with an internal seal or colored synthetic rubber, to ensure an airtight seal and prevent evaporation of the sample as well as any accidental leaks. Each test tube is supplied sterile, following an industrial sterilization process which eliminates any risk of contamination. The absence of anticoagulants makes these tubes suitable exclusively for the collection of samples intended for serum production.
Contraindications
The 5ml Separator Gel Tubes must not be used for the collection of samples intended for analyzes that require the presence of anticoagulants, such as coagulation tests or blood counts, as the separation between the phases would be ineffective and the results unreliable. Improper use, such as use on samples other than human venous blood or collection of volumes exceeding the capacity of the tube, may alter sample quality, produce erroneous results, or even cause tube breakage. In case of evidence of damage, loss of sterility or expiry of the device, it is recommended not to use the tube and replace it with an intact one, both for the safety of the operator and for diagnostic validity. Do not use in case of known allergy or sensitivity to the constituent elements of the plastic materials or the cap. In emergency analysis situations where sampling of coagulated blood is required in a very short time, it may not be the most suitable device compared to other systems that favor instant coagulation.
Safety of the drug for the species
As these are medical devices intended for the collection of human blood, the safety of Gel Separator Tubes has been extensively evaluated according to healthcare sector regulatory standards. These devices are free of harmful additives, latex and potentially allergenic substances in the plastic and cap composition, ensuring maximum compatibility with both the blood and the skin and tissues of healthcare workers and patients. Sterility guarantees the absence of risk of cross-infection or microbiological contamination during sample collection and handling. Correct use according to the instructions drastically reduces any potential health risk for both the patient and the staff. The plastic material is tested for biological compatibility, avoiding the release of substances in the collected sample and guaranteeing stability of the biochemical parameters even in the case of temporary storage. The use of these tubes does not interfere with animal or human well-being if current professional hygiene and safety regulations are respected.
Precautions
It is important to ensure that the test tube is perfectly sterile and intact before use; do not use tubes with damaged packaging, expired or with evidence of structural alterations. Always handle the test tube using disposable gloves and personal protective equipment in order to prevent risks of contagion or accidental contamination. After collection, the tube must be immediately shaken gently to facilitate separation between gel and serum and must be kept in a vertical position until centrifugation. During centrifugation it is essential to respect the technical parameters provided by the equipment manufacturer (speed, time, temperature) to avoid damage to the sample and obtain a clear separation. After use, the tubes must be disposed of according to the protocols for biological waste, placing them in the appropriate containers, avoiding any accidental contact with residual biological liquids. In the event of accidental blood spillage, follow the decontamination and disinfection procedures required in your healthcare environment.
Method of administration
To ensure optimal blood collection, use a cannula and a suitable collection system that allows the blood to be conveyed directly into the tube without introducing air bubbles or foam. It is recommended to collect the sample slowly to avoid hemolysis. After filling to the indicated level, the tube should be closed tightly and handled carefully until centrifugation. Centrifugation must be carried out following the recommended settings to effectively separate the gel from the serum and preserve the integrity of the analytical components. Once separation has been achieved, the serum can be aspirated with a pipette and used for the various necessary biochemical, immunological and serological analyses. The sample can be stored in the fridge for a short time if not processed immediately.
Treatment program
The use of the 5ml Separator Gel Test Tubes follows the timing of the diagnostic protocols. For most routine tests, a single tube is sufficient for each patient and collection session. In repeated monitoring, such as in a hospital setting or in the management of chronic patients, the tubes must be used at each check-up following the frequency defined by the clinical protocol and the laboratory indications. If different types of analyzes with different types of sampling are needed, healthcare personnel will collect multiple tubes with the appropriate additives or devices. There are no specific limits on the use of gel tubes if you follow the instructions for use and disposal. For specialized analyzes it is possible to keep the serum in the separate tube for several hours without loss of sample quality, but it is still recommended to observe the timing and storage conditions established for the type of analysis requested.
Target species
The 5ml Separator Gel Tubes are intended for human use for the collection of venous blood in patients undergoing laboratory diagnostic investigations. They can be used in every age group, from newborn to elderly, in all conditions in which venous blood sampling for serum production is required. They must not be used on other species or for the collection of other biological fluids outside the clinical specifications for which they were designed.
